April 18, 2023- Commissioner Position Opening
March 2023- Appointment of Thane Grooms as Commissioner
With the unfortunate death of Larry Robinson, Thane Grooms was appointed on March 14, 2023 to complete Larry’s term as Commissioner. As announced below, Thane also serves as Building Manager for The Laurel B. Johnson Community Center.
The Commissioners and the Toandos community owe a great debt of gratitude to Larry Robinson for his service of over 20 years as Commissioner and as Building Manager and Chair of The Board. His leadership and service to the community will be sorely missed.
February 2023- Building And Grounds Manager Transition
May 24, 2021 – Community Center Is Now Open!
- Indoor maximum of 30 people (50% of capacity)
- Outdoor maximum of 150 people
- Approved face coverings over the nose and mouth are required indoors, except while eating and drinking
- Face coverings are not required for outdoor events although unvaccinated individuals and those who are immunosuppressed are advised to maintain physical distancing from non-household members and masking is recommended if distancing cannot be maintained.
- Indoor events in which ALL participants are verified to be fully immunized with a COVID vaccination (14 days after the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or 14 days after a single dose of J&J Janssen vaccine) are exempt from the masking mandate. Proof of COVID vaccination is a copy of a CDC vaccination card or a copy of a Washington Immunization Information System (WAIIS) record of vaccination.
- Maximum of 10 people per table with tables set a minimum of 6 feet apart
- Doors open for adequate air circulation, if feasible. Fans remain on.
- Provide a hand sanitizing station
- Sanitize solution readily available; frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces
- Sanitize facility before and after event (wipe down tables/chairs/counters/bathroom counters and sinks)
- Attendance sheet (name and phone number) kept for 28 days
March 12, 2021 – Update
It’s been a long, pandemic year!
One year ago the LBJ Community Center was closed to comply with Governor Inslee’s COVID 19 restrictions. However, the electricity and water stayed on so that our community could continue to use the outdoor facilities. Folks without water access on their property continued to fill up their containers at the Center. The P-Patch garden flourished with water and the care of our local gardeners. Folks used the picnic tables, gazebo, fire pit, sport court and exercise station with masks and social distancing. The Center became an additional site for weekly Food Bank distribution of extra USDA food resources from May 26 to August 3. The Jefferson County Bookmobile faithfully serviced our community each week. The Center remained ready to become an Emergency Resource Center in the event of a major disaster.
During this past year, we have maintained and upgraded the Center. The entire inside of the Center received a fresh coat of paint. Through the Jefferson County Accessible Community Advisory Committee (ACAC) we received two partnership grants to provide ADA parking in the front lot and ADA Automatic Door Openers for both restrooms. The work has now been completed on both projects. Through the years, several grants have enabled us to make the Center now fully accessible to all. Where does the grant money come from, you might ask??? Throughout Washington State, each time someone parks illegally in an ADA parking spot, $100 of that fine goes into a state fund set aside to improve the accessibility of public lands and buildings. Counties across the state apply for grants through their local ACAC . Colleen & Roland Faragher-Horwell served as members of the ACAC for several years, representing the Toandos Peninsula and bringing awareness of the needs within our area.
During this past challenging year we are grateful for our community, where neighbors reached out to neighbors to provide grocery/pharmacy runs, meals, rides to appointments, assistance with a household/property crisis, check-ins by phone to see how life was going…truly making a difference in the health and well-being of our community! Thank you!
We are as anxious as you all are to once again open up the Center for gatherings. As soon as the Governor’s guidelines allow, we will let you know when we can come together as a community at our Center.
Be safe & stay healthy!
Your Parks & Recreation District #1 Board
August 6-8, 2020 – ADA Parking Project – LBJ Community Center
April 2020 – COMMUNITY CENTER CLOSED TO PUBLIC UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, the Community Center is closed to the public until Washington State Governor Inslee releases the restriction on group events.
MARCH 2020 – COMMUNITY CENTER REDUCED AVAILABILITY & EVENT CANCELLATIONS THIS MONTH
Toandos neighbors, the Corona virus threat is real and much is unknown about transmission. Following recommendations from local Public Health Departments and the U.S. Center for Disease Control to avoid large group events, the Laurel B. Johnson Coyle Community Center Commissioners have decided to close The Center to all groups over 10 persons for the month of March. We will reevaluate the situation at the end of March. Most impacted are the weekly Thursday lunches, which are cancelled for the month. The usual activities involving fewer than 10 participants are not cancelled. Let’s hope the Corona virus infection rate diminishes so we can again host all community activities.
NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT – PARKS & RECREATION DISTRICT #1 LEVY RENEWAL
On the November 5, 2019 General Election Ballot, you will be asked to vote on a property tax levy to fund the operation of the Laurel B. Johnson (Coyle) Community Center. This levy is NOT AN INCREASE from the existing levy approved in 2013, rather the proposed levy is a continuation of the current rate through the next six years.
In order for you to make an informed decision, here are some facts about your Coyle Community Center.
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A Meeting Place At least 8 organizations use the Center for routine meetings. Occasional county or other community meetings meet at the Center throughout the year.
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Community Luncheons Each Thursday morning a rotating team of volunteers prepares a free meal to serve at our noon lunch, a weekly time to connect with neighbors. A community feast was held on Thanksgiving Day.
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Water Source Water is available to Coyle community residents who currently do not have a water supply on their property.
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Center Accessibility A partnership grant was received from the Washington State Accessible Community Action Committee to install new ADA compliant door thresholds and two new ADA automatic door openers. In addition, accessible pathways now connect the rear patio, gazebo, fire pit and sport court.
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Community Dinners The Coyle Women’s Club uses the Center to provide delicious community dinners which are great times for building friendships among neighbors. CWC also sponsors a Game Day each month.
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Community Concerts The Center provides the venue for “Concerts in the Woods” twice a month.
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Emergency Preparedness The Center is designated as a county emergency shelter and a landing zone site for needed medevac airlifts. The Center partners with the Toandos Emergency Preparedness Association’s (TEPA) efforts to be an Emergency Response Center ready to assist in the event of a major disaster. TEPA sponsors numerous educational classes and drills at the Center.
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Healthy Living Through a partnership grant with Jefferson Healthcare, the sport court for basketball/pickle ball/volleyball and an exercise station was constructed. Yoga classes provide an additional exercise opportunity for our community.
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Toandos P-Patch The Center provides space, water and some funding for the Toandos P-Patch community garden.
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Jefferson County Library The library provides a weekly Bookmobile visit, a “Read & Return” collection of books within the Center, as well as lending seeds for personal gardens.
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Outdoor Gathering The Center has an outdoor picnic area with wooden picnic tables, a gazebo with a grill & tables, as well as a fire pit.
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Staying Connected The Center provides 24/7 access to free Wi-Fi, as well as an operational Ham Radio repeater station.
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Maintenance The facility and acreage is maintained and upgraded as needed. The Center’s kitchen is maintained to the highest Jefferson County Health Department standards and continues to pass all inspections.
The proposed levy will fund the continued operation and maintenance of the Laurel B. Johnson Community Center.
Parks & Recreation District #1 Board
Early September 2019- Things are changing!
What’s new around the LBJ Community Center? You many have noticed that a planned remodel of the rear wall is happening now at the Center. Construction work will be fully completed by mid-October. Pictures of the finished look will be posted when the work is done!
March 2019- The P-Patch Water Is Back On for the 2019 Growing Season!
January 2019 – Your LBJ Community Center Year in Review ~ 2018
As we begin a new year, we would like to take a moment to reflect with you on the use of your Community Center as a place for education, planning, gardening, meals, exercise, music and building relationships with neighbors. During 2018…
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Your facility was used for meetings of the Coyle Women’s Club, AA, Coyle Community Club, Toandos Emergency Preparedness, neighborhood groups, Fire Commissioners Board, Jefferson County Accessible Community Action Committee and the Parks & Recreation District #1 Board.
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Each Thursday morning, a rotating team of volunteers prepared a meal to serve at our noon community luncheons, a weekly time to connect with neighbors. A community feast was held on Thanksgiving Day.
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Water was available to Coyle community residents who currently do not have a water supply on their property.
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The front parking lot was graded along with the application of a fresh layer of gravel. Ditches along the hillside were cleaned out for adequate drainage.
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A partnership grant was received from the Washington State Accessible Community Action Committee to install new ADA compliant door thresholds and two new ADA automatic door openers. The work was completed in June.
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The Center provided the home for “Concerts in the Woods” twice a month, using at times an outdoor venue during the summer. Many folks enjoyed the variety of musical styles.
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The Center provided 24/7 access to free Wi Fi.
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The Jefferson County Library Bookmobile came to the Center each Monday from 10:00 – 11:30am.
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The Coyle Women’s Club provided delicious community dinners, often to over-flowing crowds…great times for building friendships among neighbors! CWC also sponsored a Soup & Games event each month.
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In early spring, the Jefferson County Library began to offer a “Read & Return” selection of books on the new bookcase inside the Center. Simply choose a book you like, take it home for a relaxing read and return it to the shelf. Books/Magazines available for all ages. The book selections are refreshed every few weeks.
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New games/puzzles/hands-on activities were added to the bookshelf for all ages.
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The Toandos P-Patch community garden grew many delicious vegetables, fruits and flowers during the summer season. This fall they received a grant from the Quilcene-Brinnon Garden Club to assist with new fencing which will be installed in the spring of 2019.
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The Center partnered with the Toandos Emergency Preparedness efforts to be a place ready to assist in the event of a major emergency.
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The kitchen was maintained to the highest Jefferson County Health Department standards. In July the facility passed inspection with a 100% rating. We are grateful for the faithful work of our team of kitchen managers and all certified volunteers who use our kitchen facility and keep it clean!
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A new pamphlet rack was installed with updated information about community/county resources and library events.
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The Toandos Emergency Preparedness Committee sponsored numerous educational events, Map Your Neighborhood meetings, emergency disaster drills and a fundraiser dinner/auction. In December, the Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management held a “Community Emergency Response Team” (CERT) 4 –day certification class for folks on the Toandos Peninsula.
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Yoga classes provided an exercise opportunity twice a week for the community. Folks enjoyed the sport court for basketball and pickle ball, the exercise station and the variety of sport equipment located in the blue shed.
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We continue to explore partnership grants to upgrade our facility, particularly in regards to accessibility for all.
To discover more about the happenings at your Center, please visit our website at www.toandos.org.
Thank you for faithfully supporting your Community Center!
Happy New Year!!
Your Jefferson County Parks & Recreation District #1 Board
August 2018 – Your LBJ Community Center ~ Mid-Year Review
Since January…
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Your facility was used for meetings of the Coyle Women’s Club, AA, Coyle Community Club, Toandos Emergency Preparedness, neighborhood groups, Fire Commissioners Board, and the Jefferson County Accessible Community Action Committee.
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The health and well-being of our community has been enhanced through the weekly Thursday community luncheons, Yoga classes and 24/7 access to free WiFi.
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A partnership grant was received from the Washington State Accessible Community Action Committee to install new ADA compliant door thresholds and two new ADA automatic door openers. The work was completed in June.
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The Jefferson County Library Bookmobile now comes to the Center every Monday from 10:00 – 11:30am. Note: When family/friends are visiting, they can check out books on your card and even sign up for the summer reading program.
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The Coyle Women’s Club sponsored community dinners and Soup & Games.
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The Center provided the venue for “Concerts in the Woods” several times a month, with an outdoor Square Dance in July.
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The Jefferson County Library now offers a “Read & Return” selection of books on the bookcase inside the Center. Simply choose a book you like, take it home for a relaxing read and return it to the shelf. Books/Magazines available for all ages. The book selections are refreshed every few weeks.
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New games/puzzles/hands-on activities were added to the bookshelf for all ages.
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The Toandos P-Patch community garden is growing many delicious vegetables, fruits and flowers during this summer season.
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The kitchen was maintained to the highest Jefferson County Health Department standards. In July the facility passed inspection with a 100% rating.
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A new pamphlet rack was installed with updated information about community/county resources and library events.
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The Toandos Emergency Preparedness Committee sponsored numerous educational events, Map Your Neighborhood meetings, emergency disaster drills and a fundraiser dinner/auction.
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Folks enjoyed the sport court for basketball and pickle ball, the exercise station and the variety of sport equipment located in the blue shed.
Thank you for your faithful support of our Community Center! Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Your Jefferson County Parks & Recreation District #1 Board
February 2018 – Toandos Emergency Preparedness Funding!
Great news! As of February, 2018, $2,462.00 has been raised through donations by the Coyle community for emergency preparedness to further enhance our capability as an emergency shelter. And more great news. The Jefferson County Parks and Recreation District 1 (runs the Coyle Community Center) has matched the amount of these funds!!! The money will be used to purchase medical supplies to be used by the several physicians, nurses and EMT individuals that live in the Coyle area to treat injuries if Jefferson Fire and Rescue cannot reach us. Additionally, the funds will be used to purchase emergency food (for example, MREs and freeze-dried meals) and water purification supplies.
The Parks and Recreation commissioners also authorized purchase of 5 strong tables that could serve to triage the injured as well as to serve for routine eating at The Center.
These purchases will put our community in a much better state of preparedness for a serious event such as an earthquake.
December 2017 – Your LBJ Community Center ~ Year in Review
During 2017…
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Your facility was used for meetings of the Coyle Women’s Club, AA, Coyle Community Club, Toandos Emergency Preparedness, Ham Radio training, neighborhood groups, Donuts with a Cop/Sheriff’s Department, Fire Commissioners Board, the Jefferson County Accessible Community Action Committee and a wedding celebration
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The health and well-being of our community was enhanced through the weekly Thursday community luncheons, women’s self-defense classes, Yoga classes and access to free WiFi.
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The Jefferson County Library Bookmobile came to the Center twice a month
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The Coyle Women’s Club sponsored community dinners, Soup & Games, an Emergency Preparedness fundraiser, a Taste of Preparedness event and memorial gatherings
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The Center provided the venue for “Concerts in the Woods” twice a month
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A new sport court (basketball/volleyball/pickleball), exercise station and fencing was installed through a partnership grant from Jefferson Healthcare
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Accessible pathways were installed from the rear patio to the gazebo, picnic tables, fire pit and sport court area
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The Toandos P-Patch community garden grew many delicious vegetables, fruits and flowers during the summer season and also added a new community section for vegetables and fruit trees in partnership with grants from Jefferson County Master Gardeners and the Quilcene Brinnon Garden Club
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A partnership grant was received from the Washington State Accessible Community Action Committee to install new ADA compliant door thresholds and two ADA automatic door openers. The work will be completed in 2018.