Guemes Island Community Center Association
Enriching and Connecting Our Island Community
Island Happenings
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Ferry Cams
⛴ Catch the Ferry
Ferry times are provided as a courtesy and without guarantee.
Ferry departs from Guemes approximately 8 minutes after the listed times below. Crossing time approximately 5 minutes. Round-trip time approximately 20-25 minutes.
*Wednesday 9:15 AM to Guemes and 2:00 PM from Guemes are hazardous materials runs only. No other vehicles or passengers may travel on these runs.
Community Messages
SCAM ALERT!
An email purporting to be from GICCA under Lisa Charnock’s signature has gone out widely. Please do not click on any links and please delete the message. We are very sorry for the inconvenience and will try to address the problem.
POETRY IS A PORTAL
Conversations About Poems With Island Poet, Lisa Charnock
Guemes Island Church
Saturday, September 23 and October 7
2:00PM - 3:30PM
Events are free and open to All.
Why would ANYONE want to sit down to read and discuss poems with other people? Poetry doesn’t have to push people away. It doesn’t have to be decoded. You don’t have to be “smart enough” to understand what a poem makes you feel. That’s the key. Poetry often speaks to the feelings and associations in our own lives. Let’s GET poetry together! Session 2, October 7 We will continue our discussion of poetry as a portal. We will explore what the poems bring up for us; not what we think the author was “doing”, but what is going on when we listen to the sounds, make some leaps, let the poems work on us.
Click Here for more information
GUEMES EMERGENCY TEAM
“GET”
“GET” is being established in 2023 to replace Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) which now requires member recertification and training for all participants in order to continue using the title "CERT." The new GETprogram builds on the strengths of CERT as well as uses the existing “Map Your Neighborhood” (MYN) program”. It recognizes the challenges that are unique to Guemes Island. Click here for more information on this important new program.
Memorial Day to Labor Day: Drop in on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00
Year-round: Players are encouraged to join in casual play on weekends at 10:00 am in good weather months. To communicate availability; players use the “TeamReach” App. Look for Guemes Pickleball and use the code 8GuemesI (letter I like Island at the end).
This is available year-round to build groups to play. Also check out Facebook for Guemes Island Pickleball Players. Anyone is welcome at the scheduled play time, otherwise, island visitors and Airbnb owners should plan to provide their own equipment to guests. Pickleball, a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, was first created in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three fathers looking to give their bored children a new activity by using a hodgepodge of other sports as inspiration. It is now the fastest growing sport in the country with more than 36 million players. One tennis court can accommodate two pickleball courts with temporary nets. Available for residents of the island, equipment is stored in the locked cabinet with portable community nets, paddles, and a few balls. Island residents need to attend the weekend play session to learn about net handling and security, before getting the lock combination to use them at will. As of this writing, a generous local resident will be providing a rolling net that she will leave on the court during summer for anyone to use. It will be stored during winter. Local players are encouraged to contribute $10 per year to the PICKLEBALL fund held at GICCA to buy/replace nets and gear. Island players are currently planning an annual fundraiser so that there is funding to support local interest.
Skagit County Burn Ban Modified to Allow Recreational Fires
Due to the increase in moisture levels, recreational fires are now allowed in unincorporated areas of Skagit County. Residential yard and land-clearing fires continue to be banned until further notice. See here for the complete press release from Skagit County.
GICCA Bylaws Amendments for September 28, 2023 Membership Vote
President’s Message: Bylaws Revisions for September Membership Vote
The GICCA Board met monthly through the summer to conduct a comprehensive review of Association bylaws for presentation of proposed amendments in the September business meeting. Association members present at that meeting will vote on the proposed amendments. Our working meetings were announced in the GICCA newsletter and on the website, and were available by Zoom for the public to join. I want to thank the Board, who worked so hard, and all the members of the public who joined to follow the process.
Bylaws should provide guiding principles, and where they are particular and prescriptive, future Boards must adhere to them. Our revisions often sought ways to make future Boards’ implementation options flexible wherever possible.
We hope you will read all the proposed changes. When you do, you’ll see a lot of “redline,” indicating changes from the current bylaws, as last amended in February, when the Membership voted on some minor amendments. Many proposed changes consolidate relevant sections under the Finances Article. Others make modifications needed to comply with recent changes in nonprofit law. Importantly, some changes are proposed to improve Members’ ability to participate in the organization.
The review of the bylaws was comprehensive, which means that changes in one section often result in changes in other sections – many are interconnected. We will ask the Membership to vote on the proposed changes to Articles III through IX as a whole, but with a process to propose any modifications for a follow-up vote in October or November.
The Changes, in Short
Here are the most important changes from the perspective of how the Association will operate going forward:
- Elections will include an option for absentee voting for members who are unable to vote in person in November
- A new designation of “Associate Members” encourages island residents under the age of 18 to participate in the organization, including being able to participate as non-voting Board members
- Processes for amending bylaws are clarified in terms of timing requirements for posting proposed amendments and providing notice of the schedule for voting
- The December Organizational Meeting executive session, following election of new Board members, will include election of new officers and discussion of a draft budget and workplan for approval in the January business meeting
- The Board will be able to determine its schedule for business meetings in January for the rest of the year. Minutes for all meetings – business, working, and executive sessions –will be required to be posted.
- The Association will be required to adopt an annual budget, and to convene a Finance Subcommittee that includes a non-Board Association member to provide oversight of Association finances.
What’s Next?
At the September meeting, we will outline the changes being proposed, and present the document as it appears on the website. We will also explain how modifications can be made in subsequent months if there are modifications proposed by Members in the discussion which are moved by the Board to take up in subsequent months. The Membership will be asked to vote on the bylaws as a whole, as presented, rather than taking amendments in real time in September, with the full understanding that changes can still be made.
If you have comments or concerns or thoughts, please let us know! We can bring them forward in the September meeting on your behalf if you are unable to attend. We appreciate everyone’s input. You can email us at 4gicca@gmail.com.
Lisa Charnock
GICCA President
August 24, 2023
See here for all the proposed changes.
Volunteer Opportunities
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Supporting the community and GICCA
Fall is the perfect time to support your community! Choose one or more of the many volunteer opportunities. This is a sampling of the events, activities, and programs that rely on volunteers to make them happen. Volunteers contribute time, energy, and enthusiasm to bring these to life!
LANDSCAPE TEAM
- Join a Landscape Care Team to help preserve the area around the historic Community Hall or the Community Stage. Every Wednesday Weeding and Watering from 9:00 to 10:00... one quick hour of drop-in volunteer service... just bring your garden gloves. These are weather dependent so if in question, drop us an Email.
- We are in search of 100 sword ferns... we love it when you dig, tuck into a garbage bag and let us know you are dropping by the gate at the stage or on the north side of the Community Hall building. Our Landscape Care Team is ready to plant!
COMMUNITY HALL
- Routine Maintenance and Repair for those who may be handy with a paint brush or a hammer. The lobby area is next on the painting list as we will give it a fresh clean look.
- Holiday decorating on Friday, December 8 as we prepare for a festive community Holiday Dinner on December 9.
- Art Studio Tour sign installation and removal team moves into action on various dates beginning November 1 and cleanup late on December 2. Write to GuemesIslandArt@gmail.com
- Be part of the Audio-Visual Team to support meetings and events at the hall.
“How do I sign up?” Maybe your next question. There is ONE easy choice to get started! Email toGiccaVolunteer@gmail.com to express interest... this contact will forward your offer to the project lead. Thanks in advance for being part of the solution for great events, programs, and activities!
Artist of the Month: Arden Charles
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When exploring art created by Arden Charles, viewers are led on a personal journey to discover the story each piece summons for them. Techniques ranging from assemblage and painting to bamboo stock and ink stand alone or come together to delight the eye. Read on to learn more about Arden and what has made her the artist she is. https://guemesislandart.org/arden-charles-aotm/ |
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GICCA Business Meetings
For the remainder of 2023, meetings will occur on the 4th Thursday of the month at 7:00PM, with the exception of November so as to avoid a Thanksgiving conflict. That meeting will be the 5th Thursday, November 30th at 7:00PM.
Agendas and minutes from past meetings are posted here.
GICCA Bylaws Review 2023
GICCA is reviewing and updating its bylaws throughout 2023. In the May, 2023 meeting, the Board decided to hold working sessions over the summer to review and discuss revisions to the Bylaws. The Board will hold working sessions on the 4th Thursday in June, July, and August (and possibly more often) to review and discuss proposed amendments to the GICCA Bylaws. Each working meeting will be available to the community by Zoom. Resulting amendments will be presented and voted on by the Membership in the fall. For more information on the bylaws click Here.
Island News
Thank You to Our Generous Donors!
Generosity runs deep in our community; we have come together over this past year to support each other in so many ways. The GICCA Board of Directors thanks you for your generous support.
On Labor Day weekend the Guemes community rallied once again in support of the Sept. 2 Pie Sale at the Community Hall. 39+ volunteer pie bakers made and donated 129 pies that sold out within 60 minutes. Much of the fruit was grown, picked, and donated by islanders. Other volunteers helped with signage, set up, clean up, and cashiering for the tsunami of pie buyers. $3378 was raised for GICCA to support community activities and events on the island. I special thank you to Mary Holmes for driving the event and to the Church for providing their kitchen for pie baking.
GICCA is a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We appreciate your financial support. You can find out about ways to donate here.
Guemes Connects
Neighbors Helping Neighbors – GUEMES CONNECTS Needs You
A "community" is defined as a group of people living in the same place. There is also a more internal definition. A community is a group of people that takes care of each other. As Guemes Islanders, we are geographically connected but when we feel we are part of something bigger than ourselves, we truly function as a community.
For many years, GUEMES CONNECTS has brought neighbors together to help neighbors. Their mission is to foster a network of support for the Guemes Island community. This group of dedicated volunteers is committed to meeting the needs of anyone requesting assistance, regardless of age, illness, disability, race, or religion. Now CONNECTS needs new volunteers as several of the founders are retiring.
The group's goal is to provide on-island skilled, compassionate assistance in the following areas:
- Emergency Meals
- Respite care (temporary relief for caregivers)
- Transportation to medical appointments (not available during COVID)
- Home Maintenance (helping needy island residents with uncomplicated maintenance tasks)
- Housing (availability information)
- Medical equipment (free wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, bedside commodes, grab bars, etc.)
Guemes Connects also sponsors the popular Gathering Lunch (not available during COVID) and Soup-to-Go (a COVID safe alternative). These weekly lunch programs are open to everyone. Meals are served on Thursdays from 11:30 to 12:15 from November to April at the Guemes Community Church. A suggested donation of $5.00 helps to fund the program.
When the in-person Gathering Lunch is possible, free blood pressure testing is available from 11:15 to 12:30. The "Gathering" began as an opportunity to visit with neighbors, meet new friends, and enjoy a home-style hot lunch cooked in the Church commercial kitchen by island volunteers.
Soup-to-Go provides the same home-style soup lunch, bread, and a cookie as a COVID-safe alternative. Drive through at the front of the Church from 11:30 to 12:15.
Following is the current contact list of the coordinators for the areas CONNECTS serves. The areas highlighted need volunteers.
Meals | Lorraine Francis | 360-293-8364 (H) |
Respite Care | Juby Fouts | 360-293-2704 (H) |
Transportation | Open | |
Home Maintenance | Open | |
Housing | Ron Knowles | 360-588-9922 (C) |
Medical Equipment | Scott Anderson | 206-953-2099 (C) |
Gathering Lunch/Soup-to-Go | Beverly James
Sharon Hughlitt |
206-660-1447 (C)
360-588-0179 (C) |
Contact Lorraine or Juby with questions or if a specific coordinator cannot be reached, OR if you wish to volunteer! GUEMES CONNECTS needs YOU to help keep these valuable services going.
"Do more than belong: participate."
"Do more than care: help."
"Do more than dream: work."
Words of wisdom from William Arthur Ward
GICCA Facilities
GICCA owns and manages the Community Hall (7549 Guemes Island Road) as well as the Murray Read Pavilion and the Community Stage in Schoolhouse Park. The Community Hall can be rented for private events and is available for public events. Please Click Here for information on private event rentals and contact 4gicca@gmail.com about any reservations. The Murray Read Pavilion is available for picnicking without a reservation or for private events by reservation (email 4gicca@gmail.com). We are in the process of developing processes for reserving the Community Stage for private and public events, but it is available anytime for drop-in events (with no amplification) with 30 or fewer people during Schoolhouse Park hours.
Latest COVID News & Updated Hall Use Policy
The health of the Guemes Island community continues to be a top priority for GICCA as we offer venues for public gatherings. We appreciate that there are varied views on this important topic, and we remain attentive to changes from Skagit County, the State, and the CDC. GICCA no longer requires that masks be worn for events held inside the Community Hall, but we strongly recommend them because of the possibility of spreading COVID-19 before becoming symptomatic.
The CDC’s current guidance can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
CDC recommendations specific to masks (when community levels of COVID-19 are moderate or high) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/masks.html read:
Wear a Mask to Protect Yourself and Others
- Masking is a critical public health tool and it is important to remember that any mask is better than no mask.
- Wear the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you will wear consistently.
- Wearing a high-quality mask along with vaccination, self-testing, and physical distancing, helps protect you and others by reducing the chance of spreading COVID-19.
The Washington State Department of Health website (https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19) states:
We now know that COVID-19 is here to stay for the foreseeable future. It’s important to understand how to live our lives while keeping ourselves, loved ones and community as safe as possible. How can we do that? By using all the tools we’ve learned so far: getting vaccinated and boosted, getting tested and staying home if sick or exposed, wearing a mask in crowds, and keeping our distance.
Discover the World of Virtual Learning
GICCA's Social Connections page has a number of interesting virtual learning links to podcasts and videos covering a variety of topics from travel destinations to humor, music, nature, and more.
Watch, Read or Listen to a series of travel episodes. Educational and entertaining travel from the comfort of your own home. Free.
https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen
Learn new dance patterns to all kinds of music while getting some exercise and having fun. Seattle Parks & Recreation instructor Suzanne Simmons leads you through a class on Soul Line Dancing.
Via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2w7eF6fknI
Discover a world of puzzles beyond jigsaw and crossword. Famed puzzle designer Scott Kim takes us inside the puzzle-maker's frame of mind. Sampling his career's work, he introduces a few of the most popular types and shares the fascinations that inspired some of his best.
https://www.ted.com/talks/scott_kim_the_art_of_puzzles
Explore the many topics available on the Ted Talks website.
Enjoy articles from grassroots authors about biodiversity concerns around the world.
https://voicesforbiodiversity.org/
Email 4gicca@gmail.com with your own discoveries and we'll share them on this website.
A Reminder About Stage & Park Use
As a requirement of our Special Use Permit, GICCA's property at Schoolhouse Park is now designated as a Community Park. The rules that govern the Skagit County Schoolhouse Park also apply to the Stage and Pavilion picnic structure.
The Park, Community Stage, and Pavilion are open for public use from dawn to dusk. In other words, day use only.
Groups larger than 30 or amplified music require a permit. Alcohol and glass containers are prohibited. No open fires or fireworks. There is no trash pick-up at the Stage or Pavilion. If you pack it in, please pack it out.
Respectful use of the new Community Stage will help keep it open and accessible for public use. For permitting information, email 4gicca@gmail.com
Join Our Mailing List
Receive our monthly e-newsletter
Guemes Island Community Center Association email lists on other island websites are no longer used for GICCA mailings of any kind. To receive GICCA news, click below to subscribe. GICCA promises not to share or use subscriber emails for anything other than sending GICCA newsletter-related information.
TIP: Where's my GICCA Newsletter?
Update Your Directory Listing
We need your help NOW to update your directory listings on this website, myguemes.org. Islanders can easily add, delete, or update their listings (both residential and business). GICCA is committed to producing a new printed directory this year, but we can't do it without you. Please take a moment to review your listing(s) and add or edit, if needed.
To add your listing(s):
Pull down the Guemes Directory & Map tab in the menu bar at the top of this home page.
Select Directory Signup, then Residential Signup or Business Signup.
Complete your information and click Send.
To edit or delete existing listings:
Pull down the Guemes Directory & Map tab in the menu bar at the top of this home page.
Select Link Request (listing edit/opt out), then Link Request Residential Listing or Link Request Business Listing.
Complete the information and click Send or Submit.
The Help You Want
The Resources You Need
Helpful Links
Emergency Preparedness - 'do1thing'
Earthquake Early-Warning Notifications
- Schedule GICCA Facilities
- Hall Rental Agreement
- Hall Amenities
- Volunteer Waiver (Stage)
Guemes Island Art (GIA) Initiative
Guemes Island Ferry Committee (GIFC)
Guemes Island Fire Department (GIFD)
Guemes Island Planning Advisory Committee (GIPAC)
Guemes Island General Store (FB)
Guemes Tide and Evening Star Archives
On Deck
Weather Map
Mobile? Click 'Rain/Snow' tag for options