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Emergency - Fire, medical emergency, sheriff - dial 911.

All 911 calls are routed by the Skagit County 911 dispatcher to the appropriate service: law enforcement problems to the Skagit County Sheriff’s Department; fires to the Guemes Island Volunteer Fire Department; medical emergencies to both the Anacortes Fire Department’s paramedics and the Guemes Island Fire Department’s EMTs (emergency medical technicians).

In the event that you are driving a medical emergency off the island yourself, use your car’s emergency blinker lights and proceed to the head of the ferry line.

CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). Neighborhood volunteers organized to respond to emergencies so overwhelming that the local emergency responders request assistance. Contact Aubre Adams, 293-3916, Carol Pellett, 293-8128 or Gail Nicolls, 293-9540.

Edens Cemetery – Guemes Island Cemetery District #3. Commissioners are Chairman, Al Millikan 293-1874, Secretary, Bob Easton 299-0570, Ed Rombeek 293-0777, Mike Jackets 293-0530. Call for information.

Food Cooperative -A group of islanders who place monthly orders with Nutrasource for groceries and other products. New participants are welcome. Contact Marianne Kooiman, 293-5815.

Guemes Island Ferry - Anacortes Terminal, 293-6433. To request a special ferry, contact Steve Cox 293-5271.

Guemes Island Library - Located in the new addition to community center hall, 293-9052. Provides books, magazines, newspapers, videos, compact discs (CD’s) and computer network to residents of Guemes Island. Open Mondays and Wednesdays 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. and Saturdays 2-4 P.M. Donations of time or materials are welcome. Supported by donations. Call Carol Pellett, 293-8128.

Guemes Island Volunteer Exchange (G.I.V.E.) - A committee made up of representatives from island organizations who help island residents in extreme emergencies. Help, which may be in many different forms, is administered in the strictest confidence. Supported by donations. Call Jackie Bohn, 293-6726.

Guemes Island Volunteer Fire Department – For emergency dial 911. All fire fighters and EMTs are volunteers. Fire chief is a part-time, paid position. Volunteers welcome. Call Chief Carl Meinzinger, 293-3634.

Index Cable - (TV) Call 1-866-794-4283. Channel line-up cards available at the Guemes Island Library.

Island Hospital (Medical Emergency Dial 911) - The hospital is located at 1211 24th Street, Anacortes, 299-1300.

Pass Reports/Road Information

Washington 1-800-695-ROAD (7623)
Oregon 503-588-2941
California 916-445-1534
Idaho 208-336-6600

Poison Center - Seattle - 1-800-732-6985.

Propane Delivery - See Skagit County GTE Directory yellow pages.

Public Transport (S.K.A.T.) - Pick up bus schedules at the Guemes Island Library or Anacortes Chamber of Commerce or call 360-299-2424.

Puget Sound Energy - To report outages call Puget Sound Energy, 1-888-225-5773.

Verizon - Local telephone company. Installation 1-800-483-4000; outages, 1-800-483-1000.

Waste Management of Skagit County - 1-800-592-9995. Regular island pick-up every Friday A.M. Recycle pick-up every other Friday of the month.

PUBLICATIONS

Evening Star - An island newspaper. Ten issues a year published by Win Anderson. Subscription $16.00 per year. To subscribe call 293-4539.

Guemes Island Telephone Directory - Lists island residents, organizations, and businesses. Prepared and published by the Guemes Island Community Church Women’s Fellowship. Price $5.00. Call Agnes Ashback at 293-6979 or Jane Read, 293-6614.

The Guemes Island Environmental Trust Newsletter - An educational publication of the Guemes Island Environmental Trust mailed free of charge to island residents and property owners to inform them about environmental issues on the island. Supported by donations. Call Marianne Kooiman, 293-5815, or Richard Nicolls, 293-9540, to be added to the mailing list.

Linetime - An on-line publication featuring interviews, survey results, book reviews, community events, message board and other island organization updates. Go to www.linetime.org.

The Little Candle - A monthly newsletter of the Guemes Island Community Church. Delivered, free of charge, to all island mail boxes. Supported by donations. Contact Rev. Darrel Berg 293-7945 or 360-678-7172.

RESPONSIBLE ISLAND LIVING

Adopt a Beach/Road - Since the county does not regularly provide beach and road clean-up on Guemes Island, it is up to the residents to keep our beaches and roads free of litter. An effort is being made to have all of Guemes Island’s beaches and roads “adopted”. For further information call Gail Nicolls, 293-9540.

Block Watch - Guemes Island is served by the Skagit County Sheriff’s Department. However, since our service may be somewhat limited by the ferry schedule, the sheriff’s department encourages all island neighborhoods to establish an active block watch program. For more information call the sheriff’s department, 336-9450.

Clamming and Crabbing - Be sure to observe size and number limits when collecting crabs and clams. Limits for 2004 are 40 clams per day and 6 male, hard shelled, 6 1/4 inch crabs per day. Remember to fill in the holes when you dig clams. Call hot line 1-866-880-5431 or visit www.wdfw.wa.gov for open season on crab pots and clam rules.

Ferry Committee - Five island residents have been elected to interact with the county regarding Guemes ferry issues. If you have questions or problems concerning the ferry, first consult with the ferry crew. Then, if necessary, contact one of the members of the ferry committee:Carl Cady, 299-0595; Dixon Elder, 293-8935; Marilee Fosbre, 293-3095; Steve Orsini, 293-5689; or Glen Veal, 293-3721. www.guemesislandferrycommittee.org

Ferry Line - If you are late getting to the ferry, please don’t pass and cut in front of other cars also headed for the ferry line. Guemians don’t consider such behavior neighborly.

Fire Danger – For outdoor burning regulations and permits consult the pamphlets available at the ferry dock and fire hall or call the Skagit County Fire Warden at 360-428-3293.

Hunting – Hunting and overnight camping on the island are allowed only where permission has been given.

Island Resources – To prevent soil erosion and degradation of island bluffs, please avoid trampling shoreline vegetation.

Marine Toxins/PSP Hotline 1-800-562-5632 or www4.doh.wa.gov/gis/mogifs/biotoxin.htm for red tide information.

Noxious Weeds – Noxious weeds are non-native plants that have been introduced and are in some way harmful. They are not necessarily toxic, and some are even attractive. Nevertheless control of noxious weeds is required by law. All island residents should become aware of the noxious weeds in our area and take steps to control them. For further information call Bill Rogers, Skagit County Noxious Weed Inspector – 336-9430, or join the Guemes Weed Brigade by calling Marianne Kooiman – 293-5815.

Outside Lighting - Guemes Islanders are not used to the bright lights of the city. If you install outside lighting, please shield it so that it is not a nuisance to your neighbors or those in the line of sight.

Pets – In order to protect the island’s wild and domestic animals as well as your neighbors, please maintain control of your pets at all times.

Poaching Hot Line - To report illegal hunting activites call 1-800-477-6224. After hours call Washington State Patrol 1-360-757-1175.

Red Tide Information - 1-800-562-5632.

Roadside Parking – Remember that Guemes Island has narrow, country roads. Vehicles parked along public roads may make driving difficult or block neighbors’ access to their property.

Shellfish Rule Change Hotline 1-866-880-5431

Speed Limits - Cars and trucks on Guemes Island share the roads with children, hikers, bicycles, horses, pets, and darting deer. For their protection and yours, please observe the speed limit, 35 mph, 20 mph at playground, or as posted.

Volunteering - Guemes is an island of volunteers. All island activities and organizations need and welcome new volunteers.

Water issues - The groundwater on Guemes Island is shared by all island residents. Please protect and conserve this precious resource. For information about conservation measures and proper well operation call Marianne Kooiman, 293-5815; Glen Veal, 293-3721; or Nancy Vogel, 293-1287, who are members of the Skagit County Sea Water Intrusion Committee.

Island-wide Organizations

Guemes Island Community Center Association - Maintains Guemes Island Community Hall and hosts monthly town hall meetings from September through May on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 P.M. at the hall. All island residents and property owners are encouraged to participate. Supported by annual donations. No dues. Contact Anne Jackets, 293-0530.

Guemes Island Community Church - Worship Sunday at 9:30 A.M. Weddings and receptions. All denominations. For further information call 293-5515 or Rev. Darrel Berg 293-7945 or 360-678-7172.

Guemes Island Environmental Trust - Gathers and distributes information regarding the local environment to property owners and residents of Guemes Island. Organizes and facilitates efforts to protect and enhance the quality of life on Guemes Island. Membership open to all Guemes Island property owners and residents. No dues. Supported by donations. For further information call Paul Beaudet, 588-8090 or Marianne Kooiman, 293-5815 or Gail Nicolls, 293-9540.

Guemes Island Historical Society Gathers and preserves histories, photos, and documents relating to the history of Guemes Island. Call Bob Anderson, 293-3770.

Guemes Island Men’s Breakfast - Men of Guemes Island meet informally for breakfast, fellowship, and a program featuring a guest speaker on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 8:00 A.M. in the church fellowship hall. Open to all island men. Programs are open to women at 8:30 AM. Contact Darrel Berg 293-7945 or (360)-678-7172.

Guemes Island Property Owners Association (GIPOA) - Monitors and takes action on issues affecting all Guemes Island residents and property owners. Membership open to all Guemes Island residents and property owners. Yearly dues - individual membership, $5.00; family membership, $7.50. For further information call Howard Pellett, 293-8128.

Guemes Island Volunteer Fire Fighters Auxiliary - Supports the Guemes Island fire fighters with food, beverages, and child care when they are called out. Volunteers are always needed. For information contact Kim Stamper, 293-4995.

Guemes Island Volunteer Firemen’s Association - A service organization of the volunteer fire fighters. Contact Carl Meinzinger, 293-3634.

Guemes Island Women’s Club -Island women meet at 1:00 P.M. in the community hall on the 2nd Tuesday and 7:00 PM on the 4th Tuesday of the month for dessert and sociability. They also sponsor fund raisers to finance their Guemes Gold Scholarships for Guemes students, the Rainy Day Fund, G.I.V.E., and other worthy causes. Membership open to all island women. Dues $5.00 per year. Contact Anne Bosworth, 588-9055.

Guemes Island Women’s Fellowship - Women of the Guemes Island Community Church meet every Wednesday at the fellowship hall at 11:00 A.M. for fellowship and to quilt. The first Wednesday of the month includes a business meeting. The second Wednesday of the month features a program which is open to the public. Contact Agnes Ashback, 293-6979.

San Juan Preservation Trust - A private, voluntary, non-profit land trust dedicated to the preservation of open space and farm land in the islands of the San Juan Archaepelago. Supported by donations. Executive Director Robert Myhr (360) 468-3202. Guemes representative, Annie Magnano, 299-1097.

Special Interest Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous - For information about meetings scheduled at the church fellowship hall call Rev. Berg, 293-7945 or (360) 678-7172.

Brown Baggers Book Club - Monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at noon, October through June, to review books of interest. Contact Shirley Gladish, 293-7051 or Laurel Easton, 299-0570.

Cards - There are several different bridge and pinochle groups on the island. Check with Over The Hill.

Guemes Library Book Club - Meets at 8 P.M. on the second Monday of the month in the library. All island residents welcome. For more information and name of next book selection, call Carol Pellett 293-8128.

Holiday Hideaway Association- Neighborhood organization for those living in the Hideaway. Contact Sharon Schlittenhard, 299-9165.

Knitting Night Meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM in the library. Anyone interested in knitting, crocheting or other hand work is invited to share and exchange information and bring work in progress. For more information call Carol Pellett, 293-8128.

Master Gardeners From April to October Master Gardeners hold plant clinics at Ace Hardware in Anacortes every Thursday from 9:00 AM until noon. They offer free assistance with plant identification or disease and pest control. For more information call Connie Snell, 293-5037.

Men’s Book Club Meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM in the library. For more information call George Meekins, 293-0963

Over The Hill Monthly potlucks for those over the hill , are in the community hall at 6:30 P.M. on the first Thursday of each month from October through June. Contact Jane Read, 293-6614.

Sports - Post a notice on the bulletin boards at the ferry, in the store, or community center hall for bowling, golf, or tennis partners.

Other Special Interest Groups - If the group which interests you does not appear here, check the ferry bulletin boards, The Little Candle or the Evening Star. If you still don t find it, put up a notice and start your own. Guemes Islanders are an involved and enthusiastic community.

Guemes Island Events

Some of the following events are annual, others aren t, but all of them are enjoyable and add to the feeling of community here on the island.

New Years - The old year ends and the new often begins on Guemes with a family dance and/or potluck in the community hall.

Woodchoppers Ball - A family dance with good live music. Win a load of firewood. Date of dance varies. For more information contact Mike Gwost, 293-5708.

Easter Egg Hunt - Jointly supported by the Community Center Association and the Women’s Club. For more information contact Sue Gwost, 293-5708.

Memorial Day - Plant and bake sale by the Women’s Fellowship on the Saturday before Memorial Day. Services by the Anacortes American Legion on Memorial Day begin on the ferry Guemes with the release of a wreath in the middle of the Guemes Channel and end with a memorial service at the Guemes Island Cemetary. Check the local papers or The Evening Star for details.

Memory Nights Organized by the Guemes Island Historical Society. Enjoy an island-wide potluck and hear old timers reminisce about the early days on the island. Check Linetime, the Evening Star, and other local papers for dates and details.

Dog Island Run Fund raising event for the Guemes Island Library on 1st Saturday in June. 10K run or 2 mile walk, open to everyone. For further information contact Tim Wittman, 293-5757.

Guemes Island Garden Tour - In July enjoy a tour of some of the island’s most spectacular gardens. Watch the bulletin board for dates and details. Contact Duanne Rogers, 293-3357.

Fourth of July See a parade on the north beach area of Guemes Island Road in the morning, then hunt for treasures at a fund-raising rummage sale at the Guemes Island Fire Station. In the afternoon play pick-up softball and buy hotdogs and lemonade at the playground. Check local papers and bulletin boards for times.

Chamber Music Festival - In July or August the island often hosts musicians who present concerts in the Guemes Island Community Hall. Contact Bob Easton, 299-0570.

Fall Festival - Labor Day Sunday. The Guemes Island Women’s Club sponsors crafts, bake sales, and the rental of tables for individual craft or white elephant items in the community hall. To reserve a table call Anne Bosworth, 588-9055. The Guemes Island Community Center Association sells hot dogs and drinks on the lawn, homemade pie and ice cream in the church annex, and rented booth space for craft vendors on the sidewalk between the church and the hall. Contact Carol Pellett, 293-8128 for sidewalk space.

Gaslight Review - An all-island talent extravaganza. Date of show varies.

Halloween - An old fashioned Halloween party for island kids in the community hall, jointly supported by the Community Center Association and the Women’s Club. Contact Sue Gwost, 293-5708.

The Great Pumpkin Contest - In the spring see Bruce Adkins, 299-2101, for pumpkin starts. Try to grow the biggest, ugliest or funniest pumpkin on Guemes. Judging in front of the community hall on a Saturday in the fall.

Boat Parade - Boats decorated for Christmas sail the Guemes Channel on the second Saturday in December. Watch the paper for the date and time.

Christmas Potluck dinner, Santa, and treats for island kids at the community hall, sponsored by the Community Center Association. Check bulletin boards and paper for date and time.

Potluck dinner with turkey at the church fellowship hall, sponsored by the Guemes Island Community Church. Check the bulletin boards and papers for dates and times.

Business and Services

Please see the Guemes Island Telephone Directory.

It is the hope of the Guemes Island Property Owners Association that you will soon find the time to join in the many community activities which, along with its natural beauty, help make Guemes Island a very special place to live.

Welcome!

Courtesy of the Guemes Is land Property Owners Association