San Juan Island Update - serving San Juan Island, Friday Harbor, and Roche Harbor



Click here for last week's news...


September 9, 2008

The Dog Park - it's open!
I hope you got a chance to go to the grand opening of Eddie & Friends Dog Park on last weekend's sun-drenched Saturday. That's Eddie himself with Terry Browne (left, he made the lot next to Browne's Home Center available for the project) talking with one of the organizers of the project, Jim Stegall.

Their red-haired friend is Eddie himself, who enjoyed the dedication like everybody else, unning around in the contained area that still has plnty of room to run. Go by & check it out - you'll love it! (That photo is by Tim Dustrude, by the way.)

Check it out....
You know the people on this over-a-year cruise, so check them out on their blog!

What's happening on the island!
Click for more info:
sanjuancalendar.com

Renovation....
I checked with my friend Robin because she's a Witness, to see what in the world they're doing at the Kingdom Hall on Argyle Street - she says it's a major overhaul of the building that will include shoring up the walls and, at the end, replacing the roof (which had started to leak.)

She says that besides most of the Jehovah Witnesses from the island helping, folks are coming from off-island to help, too...kinda like an old-fashioned barn raising.

Fundraiser for Gary - this weekend! It's the Gary Bowman Benefit Rallye!
Yvonne tells me Gary Bowman is coming back to the island on Friday this week, and that on Saturday his motorcycle buddies are holding a fundraiser at the Fairgrounds from 1-6pm. The suggested donation is $20 (for more information, call Mark at 317-5749.)

Enthusiasts of motorcycles & cars and anyone interested in helping out as Gary & his family recover from his recent accident, please join us for food, fun, and comraderie!

Get your game on!
Susan from the bowling alley writes that leagues are coming together:

If you want a little friendly competition or just a night out, join a league at Paradise Lanes. We have a few team and individual spots available.  Call 370-5667 now to reserve your place. You can join a league if you are a beginner or have bowled in leagues in the past. For beginning league bowlers basic instruction is available.

The morning dance (right).... It was cool to see folks doing Tai Chi on the dock next to the ferry on Saturday morning....graceful way to start the day....

Illusion Necklace Workshop with Brenna Woods
Peggy Long from the Garuda & I tells me this will be fun (Brenna's classes are always fun, I think):

On Thursday, September 11th from 6:00 - 9:00pm, please join us for this exciting workshop with Brenna Woods. Learn how to make a wonderful jewelry set from the expert. For those who have taken this class already, Brenna will show you how to add a pendant to your necklace. This class is for all levels. Some basic stringing knowledge is helpful. Light refreshments will be served. Join us for this fun girls night out!

Due to a high demand we are holding this workshop at Gallery San Juan at 210 Nichols. Kits and stones must be purchased at the shop prior to the class. A materials list will be provided. The cost of the workshop is $30.00 plus materials.

That's a photo Jim Maya took this past weekend just below Victoria of a transient killer whale swimming by a harbor seal, which the orcas usually have for lunch...
the residents usually stick to salmon, as you know....

This month - September - is the month to start giving, sports fan......
Pamela Gross tells me there's official proclamation - here's more:

David Jones, Mayor of the Town of Friday Harbor, has officially declared September as The Month of Philanthropy, formally recognizing the importance of giving in our community.  Made at the request of the San Juan Island Community Foundation, the Proclamation kicks off a month of philanthropic activities which include community awareness, adult and youth education, and fund raising. The month culminates on September 26th with the Breakfast of Champions, a celebratory event during which our local non-profits are recognized for their important contributions to quality of Island life and grants are awarded to assist with the future needs and programs of these organizations.

The Community Foundation serves as a non-profit philanthropic umbrella organization helping donors, non-profits and public organizations to achieve their goals through direct grants, organizational assistance and philanthropic resource management.

For more information on the role the San Juan Island Community Foundation is having in our charitable community please contact or visit our office at 378-1001, Technology Center, Mullis Street, Friday Harbor, WA.

Chris Teren sent you & me this awesome photo - you can click on it to see a larger version - see what you think! Here's what he said: "Hey, I was out flying last night, returning from Stuart Island right before sunset, and managed to snap a shot of the Friday Harbor Marina under Mt. Baker in the evening light. If you’d like to share it on the Update, feel free!"

Community photo - it's scheduled for September 20th, and you're gonna be in it!
Debbie Emry asked me to ask to you to both spread the word AND make sure you're in it:

In celebration of the Town of Friday Harbor Centennial a community photo shoot is set for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, September 20th on First Street – between Court Street and the Community Theatre (on the water side below the Courthouse Parking lot). The road will be closed and any and all San Juan Islanders will crowd together in the street and on the sidewalk with the Harbor behind and photographer James Krall on the roof of the County Courthouse. If you are able-bodied please park out on the edges of Town and walk in. There will be a drop off area on Court Street for those who need a ride to the site. There will be chairs on the Courthouse lawn for those who need to sit while waiting for the shot to be posed. Please spread the word to all your family and friends – the more the merrier! For more information or to offer help please contact organizer Debbie Emery at [email protected] or by cell at 472-1657.

Transportation Summit Being Planned September 17 at Fairgrounds
This is gonna be a big deal, both in terms of attendance & in terms of addressing our transportation needs in & on & to the island for the future - registrations are being requested by Friday, so get on it. Here's more from Bill Watson:

Residents, policy makers and transportation providers are invited to explore economically and environmentally sustainable multi-modal transportation solutions for San Juan County at the Transportation Summit to be held September 17, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Fairgrounds. Registration is free, but a $5 fee will be charged at the door for lunch. Registrations are now being accepted by emailing our registration form (obtained here) to [email protected].

Six presentations and “world café” small group discussions leading to action plans will take place during the day, followed by an end-of-the-day conversation with the State Transportation Commission regarding long-term ferry funding and customer surveys.

“Car-free Travel To and From the County” will be presented by Dr. Preston Schiller, North Sound Connecting Communities Project (a.k.a. the Farmhouse Gang) and Dr. Alison Longley of Ali’s Guide. Ali has spoken at the Senior Center and other local venues about her strategies for getting around the area on public and private scheduled transportation.

“Community Transit: What Does It Take?” will be a conversation initiated by Ed and Amy Masters of Orcas Shuttle, Dan Ward of San Juan Transit and Martha Rose of Island County Transit. Island Transit has pioneered a model of public transportation that brings together many separate funding streams to provide free transit for all residents and visitors.

“On Foot and On Bikes In San Juan County” by Liza Michaelson of the San Juan Rideshare Program and Paula Reeves, WSDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator will explore options for personal mobility. Paula works for the division of the Washington State Department of Transportation that oversees such programs as “Safe Routes to Schools” and other local safety programs.

“Passenger Ferries: Can We Make Them Work For Us?” will include Bruce Agnew of Cascadia Institute and Greg Hertel, Commissioner for the Port of Friday Harbor. The Port of Friday Harbor is currently in discussions with the Port of Bellingham about a Passenger-Only Service. Bruce Agnew chairs a downsound coalition of passenger ferry enthusiasts and helped mentor the King County project to support foot ferries.

“Tourism Transportation Management: From the Newest Scenic Byway to the 2010 Olympics” featuring Carrie Sunstrom, WSDOT Scenic Byway Coordinator and Loni Rahm, CEO of Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism will explore what strategies we can implement to manage visitor-centric transportation issues in the near and not-so near future.

“Inter-Island and Regional Freight Mobility”. Charlie Meyer of Island Petroleum Services and Will Hamilton (speaking for Island Air) will focus on the issues surrounding supplying the islands with essential goods like fuel and food. We will explore how we improve our “interisland” distribution system.

In addition, several exhibitors will show off their transportation options and ideas at the summit, including hopefully a selection of hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, electric scooters and electric bikes, bio-fuels, and other alternative ideas for local transportation solutions.

Sponsoring organizations include the San Juan County Economic Development Council, San Juan Island Library, Port of Friday Harbor, San Juan County Public Works, Town of Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, and the Cascadia Institute.

Volunteers are need for the day of the event. For more information see www.islandway.org/transummit, send email to [email protected], or call Bill Watson, San Juan County Economic Development Council, 378-2906.

The Galloping Gourmet comes to town....
Graham Kerr (right) will be visiting FHHS tomorrow as part of Tom French's Experience Food Project - there will also be a meet & greet with Graham at 4:30 for the public - drop by & say hey!

Quote
The saddest aspect of life right now is that science
gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.
Isaac Asimov


Daniel Finn sings to the crowd at the Stress-less Fest/Islands Village Faire on Sunday
over at the Missing Mountain Farm.

September 8, 2008

Football team gets things rolling.....
It was expected to be a bit closer for our young squad this year, but rookie coach Darren Scheffer's disciplined approach had the players making few mistakes & a lot of big plays as the Wolverines rolled to a 42-7 Island Cup victory over Orcas Friday night.

It was a perfect night for getting out & seeing the game & visiting everybody else from the island, with Purple & Gold's barbecue & the pep band & the cheerleaders all supporting a good effort by what looks like a good team for the year. The boys travel to Meridian this Saturday at 2pm - the Trojans opened their season with a 42-19 loss to Squalicum Friday night.

That's Oliver & Hayden showing their school spirit Friday night - didn't it seem like most of the town was wearing purple on Friday during the day?

Boys travel to Shoreline for soccer....
The U-14 boys kept it even for the first 20 minutes or so before the home team opened up a 3-0 halftime lead before cruising to a 5-1 victory. San Juan's Brett Paul scored a minute into the second half to close the gap to 3-1, and the guys played hard, but came up short on a beautiful, sunny day just made for soccer. The boys play again this weekend - I'll try & find out where.

That's San Juan's Daniel Porter breaking to the goal in the second half.

Why were the flags at half mast this weekend?
Coming back on the ferry last night, folks were commenting that they had seen a number of flags at half-mast on the mainland, which made me curious, so I looked to see why. Here's the explanation, from the Yakima online paper:

What's happening on the island!
Click for more info:
sanjuancalendar.com

Governor Chris Gregoire orders all flags at Washington State Agency buildings to fly at half-staff today honoring U.S. Army Spc. Carlo E. Alfonso of Spokane. Just a year ago, an amendment was passed by Congress giving governors the power to lower flags when a state resident military member is killed in the line of duty.

Alfonso was killed in action Aug. 26, in Sadr City, Iraq.

Businesses, homeowners and other government entities are not required, but encouraged to fly their flags at half-staff.

Quote
The more that learn to read the less learn how to make a living. That's one thing about a little education. It spoils you for actual work. The more you know the more you think somebody owes you a living.
Will Rogers

September 5, 2008

See you at the game....
Besides the Fair & graduation & the Fourth of July, one of the great community get-togethers around here are football games, as you know, and it's sneaked up on us already: The Wolverines under new (he's head coach now)/old (he's been with the program for ages) coach Darrin Scheffer (right) take to the field against Island Cup rivals Orcas tonight, as the Vikings come here this year for the game.

Already this morning, everyone I've seen in town has been saying, "See you at the game!" so I'll pass that on to you, too. See ya there!

(And if you notice that all the folks at Islanders Bank seem to be wearing purple, that's because they're doing "Support The Wolverines!" day.)

Matt passes....
I heard about it on the ferry last night...after a valiant struggle and more heart than just about anybody, Matt Johnson died yesterday afternoon....the island's heart & prayers go out to Jackie & the kids, and to Margaret & Kerwin, his folks.

Here's Jackie's note to the community....

Barter Faire - it's today! It's this weekend! It's now!
Laura Bell just sent me this poster - check it out & see ya there!

What they're doing with that rubber stuff....
I asked the PTA folks at the elementary school to report how that big meeting on Wednesday night went, so I could tell you what the next step would be - here's what they say (and thanks to the folks who wrote me with your notes - I'm glad this is being looked at, too!):

Dear FHES Parents & Community Members,

On September 3rd, the FHES PTA met with Principal Gary Pflueger, Rod Turnbull, parents and community members in the elementary school cafeteria at 6:30pm for their first PTA meeting of the 2008-2009 school year. As a result, it has been decided that is necessary to form an advisory committee concerning the crumb rubber playground material currently at the elementary school. The FHES PTA is looking for volunteers to serve as members of the advisory committee, to help research crumb rubber, and alternate playground underlay materials. In addition to researching suitable materials for playground cover, volunteers on the advisory committee will need to research the costs of removing and replacing approximately 160 cubic yards of the existing material, costs of labor, and sources of funding.

Your thoughts on either removing the crumb rubber material, or keeping it at the playground, are needed to help determine what path is required to move forward as a community. In order to address parents concerns over the safety of this material, we strongly encourage you to submit your opinions to [email protected]. The FHES PTA and Principal Pflueger will meet again, in the elementary school cafeteria on September 17th at 6:30 to discuss solutions and concerns about playground covers, and everyone who would like their opinion heard is encouraged to attend this meeting. Volunteers who are interested in being on the advisory committee should contact the FHES PTA before that date by e-mailing [email protected].

Sincerely,
FHES PTA Board Members: Anna Lisa Lindstrum, Tanja Williamson, Kerry Andrews,
Emily Wolf, Adrienne Bourne, Jennifer Ayers

Another happy birthday....
Yep, it was Whitey's a couple of days ago - it was good to see him at the Thai Kitchen that day!

The Adventuress was here....
Mark & Vicki's blog has the tale, with pix - check it out!

This will be a good one!
My friend Charles gave me a little more info about this film, tonight...

If you felt like giving the library showing of My Big Fat Diet a shout-out tomorrow, I'd appreciate it.

It's CBC-produced documentary about how a native community successfully improved the increasing incidences of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome that are devastating both native and non-native populations, by eliminating the highly-processed (mostly) carbohydrate foods from their diets. There are some touching stories about people struggling with their weight problems, and some interesting and important public health implications.

The lead physician in the study, Dr. Jay Wortman, will probably be doing a Skype-based Q & A after the showing at the library at 7:00 pm. If you are struggling with weight or diabetes issues, or know someone who is, it's really worth seeing how the people in this village were able to help themselves and change their lives. Very inspiring.

Here's a link to a pdf poster describing the study and the results:

http://www.cbc.ca/thelens/bigfatdiet/Poster.pdf

Here a link to a web page about the documentary:

http://www.cbc.ca/thelens/bigfatdiet/wortman.html

Thanks!

Quote
Nor shall derision prove powerful against those who listen to humanity or those who follow in the footsteps of divinity, for they shall live forever. Forever.
Kahlil Gibran


September 4, 2008

Earthday cake at the middle school....
It was nine years ago in Spokane that I was presenting a workshop about population issues and ways to teach about them, when one of the workshop attendees said, "You know what I did - I made a cake, split it up the way the world uses resources, then divided the class the way the world is split up, and let them have the cake." The kids get the idea when the 61% representing the population of Asia got only 5% of the cake, and the 5% representing Canada & the USA got 56% of the cake.

So I helped write that up as a lesson plan and it's been done now in thousands of classrooms around the world now, which is cool. All those kids get the idea about the relationship between numbers of people and resources...and I think it's so cool that that teacher, at that workshop, had that great idea. (This was done in Boulder, CO, last year - here's the story.)

I got to do it with my summer school kids at the middle school a couple of weeks ago, and they came to several important conclusions - the world's resources are not distributed fairly, it's way easier to be a North American than an African or Asian (resources-use-wise), and that Bakery San Juan makes awesome brownie/truffle cakes.

Keep thinking. Keep acting. We got us a world to change.

Tonight at the Community Theatre....
Jan from the SJCT tells this is gonna be great:

Award-winning blues guitarist Duke Robillard brings his musical artistry to San Juan Community Theatre on Thursday, September 4 at 7:30 p.m.

For more than four decades, Robillard has been strumming magical blues guitar, sharing the stage or recording studio space with friends like Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, John Hammond and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

The Blues Music Awards (formerly W.C. Handy Awards) named Duke “Best Blues Guitarist” four years out of five (2000, 2001, 2003, 2004), making him the second most honored guitarist for that award.  In 2007 he received a Grammy nomination for his “Guitar Groove-a-rama” CD.  BB King has called Duke “one of the great players” and The Houston Post called him “one of God’s guitarists.”

Steve Keys, island guitarist and member of the Fabulous Rhythmatics and Uncle Otto, says Robillard’s music is not simply blues, but moves into swing, jazz and more. He says Robillard is able to play authentically almost any style of blues guitar.  “He’s almost like a walking encyclopedia of the blues…a real student of different blues styles,” said Keys. 

In addition to sharing his talents on stage, the great player is sharing his expertise with the world in a series of instructional DVDs.  “I’ve come to the conclusion that it would be a real shame if I didn’t pass on everything I have learned from playing constantly over the past forty years with great bands and some of the genuine old masters of the blues and jazz idiom,” said Robillard.

Learn more about Robillard and his band at www.dukerobillard.com.

The Duke Robillard Band is sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank. Tickets are $26 for adults and $13 for student reserved, with $5 student RUSH on any available seats at the door. A private donor has made provision for free tickets to anyone needing financial assistance to attend a Theatre event.

The SJCT box office (378-3210) is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays,

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and one hour before each performance.  Tickets may also be purchased on-line at www.sjctheatre.org

Quote
I went down the street to the 24-hour grocery. When I got there, the guy was locking the front door. I said, 'Hey, the sign says you're open 24 hours.' He said, 'Yes, but not in a row.'
Steven Wright


September 3, 2008

That's Po (right) at the Saturday Market a couple of weeks ago - and, I wanted you to know the Farmers' Market is also open at Spring Street International School on Wednesdays in September from 4-6pm, so's you can pick up the stuff you forgot on Saturdays.

Tonight's visit about the playground....
Not sure what the fuss is all about? Patrick sent me this link from KING5 in Seattle, with a rundown of parental concerns about the rubber stuff which forms the "ground" under the play structure.

And...here's more about it, on the PTA's blog.

That meeting is at the elementary school...drop by, to learn & share, and to help make a decision if it's needed. See ya there.

Birthday folks....
You may see 'em around, so tell 'em happy birthday! There's baby Phaedra (left), who is nearly two months old now, and who still has mom Heather Belt smiling.

Then there's Zack Reitan (above, in the masthead), who turns 15 today, and Skagit Valley College Running Start student Brandie Stump (right), whose birthday is this week, too.

Many Happy Returns, y'all!

Charmed, I'm sure....
Speaking of birthdays, I checked in with Peggy at the Garuda & I and she says the new Friday Harbor 100 year pins are cool - if you click on the picture at the right, it'll enlarge so you can REALLY see it...here's more from Peggy:

We are proud to announce that we now have the Friday Harbor Centennial Logo Charms. The pewter charms are a replica of the centennial logo that was created by the centennial committee. They will be for sale thru out the centennial year. Stop by The Garuda and I today to take a look.

For all of you beaders and jewelry designers, put on your design caps. We will be having a design contest in February. We will be looking for the most original jewelry design using the logo charm. Look for more details this fall at The Garuda and I.

What's happening on the island!
click for more info:
sanjuancalendar.com

Calendar update....
It's been fun to watch the stats climb for the Library's Community Events Calendar (click here to see the real deal) - that's information drawn from the next couple of days at the right, but you can look even farther ahead as you need to.

This week you'll notice when you look at it that the entire FHHS sports schedule has been added, starting with this Friday's Island Cup game with Orcas (which is here, by the way, at 7pm).

And...if you have an event to add, or ideas about things we oughta have on there, please let me know!

Why we're in the top five....
I enjoyed finding this little blog because the author (whose name I couldn't figure out) says the San Juan Islands is in the top five places to visit in the Northwest, and 'cause she writes with pith & detail about running. See what you think.

Speaking of cool blogs....
have you checked Sandy Buckley's superpod pictures & report from the weekend? Here ya go.

Quote
The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you've got it made.
Groucho Marx


September 2, 2008

That's Julie Hagn (right) at Saturday night's music show at Griffin Bay Books, where eleven different musicians entertained an overflow crowd into the night - Julie's hat is Harry Potter's sorting hat (not just ANY fashion statement!), and she and the rest of the island's kids are headed back to school today.

Time to learn to fly!
Dan DeShon at Westwind Aviation writes in: Interested in learning to fly? Our next Private Pilot ground school class starts Sept. 8. Mon/Thur evenings 6-9 pm for four weeks. Cost is $300 (includes materials). Visit www.westwindav.com or call 378-6991 for more info and to sign up.

Finally - a place to put your bags.....
Island hospitality at its best: Sally Browne says you can drop 'em off at her shop - what a good idea!:

Friday Harbor Souvenir Company, 135 Spring Street (next to the Visitor Information Center), is now offering our visitors luggage storage for the day. For those awkward times, between checking out of a room and the ferry, but still time for a whale watch or kayaking tour, they can store their luggage safely in my back room. Conveniently located downtown, a very short walk to the ferry and/or docks. I open at 9:30am and close by 6:30pm, 7 days a week.

Finally - a good day for painting! Last week's rain kinda slowed up the last coats for the outside of the middle school, so John Bostrom (right) was hard at work yesterday finishing things up.

New lunch at school....

The new lunch program gets going today with food that's fresh & locally grown (most of it) - FHHS parent Deborah Nolan says it's gonna be great:

Your students are not going to want to miss out on the new LUNCH-believe me! I would send them to school with money to charge up their cards. Students will have the choice of the full lunch (today it's roast chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, and a fresh salad bar with fresh fruit & veggies, or sandwiches from the student store window.

It's too good to be true!

Back to the loom....
With summer over, Margaret has time to get back to her loom & start weaving....here's more from her blog.

Playground is great, raises some concerns...
The new playground over at the elementary school hopes to come in for a soft landing....I walked over to the school to check it out, and you know what - it's great. The play structure looks fun (I speak as a papa who knew where every play structure in a 100-mile radius was, when my boys were smaller), and it has this rubber stuff under the structure that has a soft feeling, kinda like you're walking on the moon.

However, and I can understand this, there's a meeting tomorrow night at FHES at 6:30pm to discuss the rubber stuff, 'cause it frankly smells like rubber that's been just ground up, and it kinda makes you wonder if it's ok for kids. The school superintendent, Michael Soltman, asked if I'd post this note below and invite you to the meeting to discuss this....hope you get a chance to come:

Friday Harbor Elementary School “Big Toy” Playground Opens with Concerns Raised by Some Parents: With the first day of school just around the corner, one of the much anticipated additions to the elementary school facility is the new "Big Toy."  Through the tireless work of the PTA, funds were raised for the much needed upgrade which is now ready for play.  However, while the toy itself is ready to go, some FHES parents have raised their concerns about the “crumb rubber” material which was chosen as underlayment to protect children when they jump or fall from the toy.  Three options for the underlayment  were offered by the company, each meeting current ASTM safety standards.  “Crumb rubber” is a standard product that is installed in playgrounds throughout the nation, however concerns have recently been raised about potential long term effects of exposure to the chemicals in the recycled tire rubber.

The District has consulted the State of Washington Department of Health as well as Steve Grout, the risk management representative from the District’s insurance carrier Canfield and Associates.  Canfield and Associates insures 80% of the school districts in Washington State. The insurance carrier and the health department said that they had received no reports of adverse affects from this product, and that it has been successfully used by school districts and park departments in our state.  However, though the product has been in use for fifteen years, studies of the long term exposure to the product have yet to be conducted.

The PTA and District administration have formed a committee to immediately conduct a thorough review of the product as well as other product options for the safety underlayment.  The committee will consider product options, including potential benefits and risks, in order to make a recommendation to either keep the “crumb rubber” or to replace it with another product.  The PTA has placed this issue on its meeting agenda scheduled for Wednesday, September 3rd, 6:30 p.m. at the elementary school.  Parents wishing to learn more and/or participate in the evaluation process are encouraged to attend the meeting.

Parents who have concerns, and who wish to exclude their children from using the playground equipment until a final decision is made about the product may do so.

That's Gina finishing the 8.8K Loop Run with a smile on the last day of the Fair....
People have been writing to ask where the pictures from the Loop Run are on the Update....back during the Fair, of course! But, for your convenience in case you missed 'em, here's the gallery of pix that Todd Roberts and I took.

It didn't occur to me till later that the 8.8K run shoulda been held on 8/8/08, but since it's always on the Saturday of the Fair, probably nobody woulda come, mostly 'cause they were still training.....and the Olympics were on.

Thanks from the Nature Institute.....
Susan wrote in to let you know they're grateful for the support that made this go well:

Thanks go to the following local businesses for supporting the ‘Go Native’ plant treasure hunt at the County Fair: Back to Nature Design, Friday Harbor Hardware & Marine, Island Gardens, and Orcas Ace Hardware. Congratulations go to daily winners TJ Kinnaman who won $50 worth of Black Gold potting soil, Susan Mahoney who won $120 worth of native plant consultation, Phil Green, who won $30 worth of Oregon grape, and Mindy Kayl who won $50 worth of bark, mulch or other amendments!

Treasure hunters loved the contest because they learned the characteristics of seven local plant species, and got to visit the seven displays that incorporated at least one of the native plants: SJC Marine Resources Committee (sponsor), San Juan Nature Institute (coordinator), SJC Agricultural Resources Committee, WSU Extension Master Gardeners, SJC Noxious Weed Board, SJ Horticultural Society, and Site Elements (plant donor).

Those who competed in the treasure hunt got to keep the very useful booklet, Garden Wise: non-invasive plants for your garden, provided by the SJC Noxious Weed Board, which they used to identify the native plants.

Several local landscapers urge us to “use native plants as the backbone of your gardens” because they don’t need as much water, provide habitat for native birds, insects, and animals, and often stabilize the soil against erosion.

See you at the Fair next year! Susan Key, Executive Director, San Juan Nature Institute

Quote
I think God's going to come down and pull civilization over for speeding.
Steven Wright


Click here for last week's (and yesterday's) news...


Ian Byington sings
The information here is simply stuff we here at By Design think is important around Friday Harbor or on San Juan Island.

Some of it is news, some of it is old news, and all are just things we wanted to mention, with most of it about the things that make living here great.

There will be more next week, if anything happens.

Ian Byington


This site prepared by our friends at By Design in Friday Harbor.
The information contained here is
©Copyright 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002,
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and next year, too
by Ian Byington/By Design, Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, WA in the USA.

Unauthorized reuse of the content of these pages is prohibited;
links to other sites is intended to be to the benefit of those sites,
and for the edification of our readers,
and does not constitute endorsement or
agreement with views expressed there.
All rights reserved, except in Britain, who have their own reserve.
Canadians welcome.


eXTReMe Tracker