Great news from Gary Cope at the San Juan Island Sailing Foundation! Perham Black won the Bellingham Youth Sailing Regatta in the Laser Radial Division. Here’s the story…

Perham Black Wins Bellingham Youth Regatta – Photo Trisha Hochreiter

Local teen sailor, Perham Black, a rising senior on the San Juan Island Youth Sailing Team won the Bellingham Youth Regatta sailing regatta held on Saturday August 5, and Sunday, August 6, 2017.

Twenty-five sailors participated in the Laser Radial division, competing in heavy wind and chop on Saturday. An incoming tide, shallow depths, and steady southerly churned up 2 to 5-foot waves, presenting a formidable course. At around 5:30 PM, and after four hours of hard sailing, the wind started to taper off and the sailors went to shore for a well-deserved lasagna dinner, provided by the Bellingham Yacht Club.

The conditions were much lighter on Sunday, with no waves and a southerly breeze of just a few knots. Sailors came from Bellingham, Tacoma, Poulsbo, Seattle, Olympia, Bainbridge Island, Orcas Island, and San Juan Island. Perham amassed 13 points in eight races, besting AnaLucia Clarkson, his nearest competitor by 6 points, and Kitt Stoll, by 13 points. Clarkson and Stoll both sail for the Seattle Yacht Club. Local Sailor Maggie Toombs of Orcas Island took 8th Place in the regatta, with 62 points.

Ronan Rankin and Emma Freedman, a skipper-crew combo from Orcas Island competed well in the FJ division, collecting 31 points and just missing third place by one point. Leah Black and Addi Kessler, sharing the skipper and crew jobs, also competed in the FJ division on Sunday.

The San Juan Island Sailing Foundation sponsors and supports the Island’s youth sailing team, which is typically around 15 sailors. The team can be seen practicing off Jackson’s Beach on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Spring.

The San Juan Island Sailing Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance sailing in the San Juan Islands. The Foundation’s primary focus is to provide sailboats and coaching for the SJI Youth Sailing Team and funds participation in regional regattas. The Foundation also provides boats, equipment, and volunteers to support San Juan Island Parks & Recreation’s Summer sailing classes for beginning and intermediate sailors of all ages. The Foundation has also had youth sailors from Shaw Island on the sailing team and collaborates with the Orcas High School Sailing Team.

Perham Black Wins Bellingham Youth Regatta – Photo Trisha Hochreiter

From Deborah Neff at United Way…

Serving over 1800 unduplicated individuals at midyear 2017, the local nonprofit, United Way of San Juan County (UWSJC) is seeing an increase in the number of people struggling to make ends meet in the San Juans.

United Way of San Juan County currently funds 14 local schools and nonprofits working in health, education, and income stability. Like UWSJC, these schools and nonprofits are dedicated to improving the skills, wellbeing, and independence of people in our community who may be going through tough times, and for the community as a whole.

According to United Way’s 2014 ALICE report, in San Juan County almost 5000 people struggle to survive on insufficient income – a full one-third of our island population.

In July 2017, UWSJC- supported community organizations reported some of the day-to-day effects of the loss of affordable rental units, homelessness, the need for more food donations to four community food banks. They talked about our workforce shortage, child poverty, the increase in requests for Hospice care and equipment, and more.

As one nonprofit director noted: “I am seeing our families working more, but still not making enough money to afford the basic necessities, including childcare. Many of these families struggle just to pay for housing and food.”

The number of people struggling to live here is on the rise, and UWSJC is working with community partners to reverse this trend. To learn more, visit their website: unitedwaysjc.nationbuilder.com. United Way of San Juan County will have a booth at the San Juan County Fair.

Browne’s Home Center – Contributed Photo

On August 1, Browne’s Home Center was sold. The new owners, TAL Holdings LLC dba Tum-A-Lum Lumber, are a fourth generation family-owned Northwest company founded in 1906. There will be a Contractors Meet & Greet at the Grange on Tuesday, Aug 15 at 5pm.

Browne’s Home Center, originally “Davis Lumber” was founded by Captain Herbert H. Davis, in 1920 and was located on Friday Harbor’s waterfront. The business changed hands several times before brothers Bob and Joe Brown purchased it in 1945 renaming it “Brown Lumber”.

Browne Lumber Logo – Contributed Photo

The business as most locals know it today began when newlyweds Jim and Inez Browne purchased it in 1947. They renamed it “Browne’s Building Supply”. Jim and Inez worked hard running a growing business while raising a family and staying active in the community. Jim served 3 terms as mayor of Friday Harbor. In 1965 the business moved up Spring Street to the site of the old Dairymen’s Association building. Sons Rob and Terry were running the business in the 1990s when their father retired. Inez continued to work crediting her a long and healthy life to her career.

In 2000 the still growing business moved once again to its current location on Mullis street where it was renamed “Browne’s Home Center” now employing over 50 people. The new owners have a legacy to live up to. Deciding to keep the name is a good start.

From the professional trade journal LBM Journal… Continue Reading

Wolf Hollow was selected by the San Juan Island Community Foundation as this year’s featured non-profit. During the San Juan County Fair, August 16 – 19, all money raised for Wolf Hollow at the Foundation’s booth will be matched 50%. 

Wolf Hollow’s Education staff will be on hand in the Green Village at Fair so stop by to play a round of mini golf (in the spirit of the Fair’s theme) and learn more about our local pollinators. 

Meanwhile Wolf Hollow’s new summer interns are helping out with round the clock summer feedings. Here they are…

Paloma Miro – Contributed Photo

Paloma Miro joined us as our 4th intern of 2017. She is currently working towards a degree in Animal Science with a specialization in Captive and Companion Animals at the University of California – Davis. She has worked with a range of livestock as part of her university classes and has volunteered at an animal shelter. Paloma also completed a 3-month zoo keeping internship last summer. The internship at Wolf Hollow will provide Wildlife Rehabilitation experience to help her decide which type of animal care – rescue or conservation work – she would like to pursue as a career.

Breanne Brown – Contributed Photo

Breanne Brown has just finished her third year at the University of California – Los Angeles. Breanne is studying Anthropology and Conservation Biology. She has a rich variety of animal care experience from her volunteer work as a zookeeper, at domestic animal shelters and at an aquarium. She now hopes to combine that experience with her conservation biology knowledge to explore the field of Wildlife Rehabilitation as a possible career.

Nick Denk – Contributed Photo

Nick Denk is currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Science at Huxley College of the Environment at Western Washington University in Bellingham. He has been fascinated by wildlife since he was a small child, has carried out field research projects and taught wildlife tracking and wilderness survival. Nick’s animal care experience comes mainly from raising a range of domestic animals. As a Wolf Hollow intern, Nick hopes to learn new skills for caring for wild animals, with the goal of becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitator.

Concours d’Elegance – 20″ x 28″ oil painting by Ary Hobbel

The Rotary Club of San Juan Island and the Sports Car Club of the San Juan Islands invite everyone to attend the eleventh annual Concours d’Elegance at the San Juan Vineyards on Sunday, August 27 from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM.

The Concours is an exhibition of vintage and classic motor vehicles and will have five classes: German, American, Other Countries, Custom/Modified/Hot Rod, and Motorcycles. The Argyle Street Jazz Band will play from noon to 2:00 PM and lunch and beverages are available for purchase in the pavilion.

It will be great fun for all and, as a charitable event, benefits valuable programs in our community. This year’s net proceeds will go to Hospice of San Juan, the San Juan Island Family Resource Center, Family Umbrella Group, and Rotary’s PolioPlus Project. We thank our sponsors for their generous support.

Spectators are welcome with open general admission although a voluntary tax-deductible contribution of $10.00 is encouraged. Car owners who wish to participate may complete the online entry form at www.sanjuanconcours.org where additional details can be found, or contact Phil Johnson at (360) 370-5509 or sjconcours @ gmail . com.

Round out the weekend with the Friday Harbor Airport Fly-In for a celebration of Wings and Wheels on Saturday, August 26, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Get up close and personal with vintage and experimental aircraft, motorcycles and more! Details at www.portfridayharbor.org or contact Stuart Hansen at (360) 317-8674 or Stuarth @ portfridayharbor . org.

Concours 2016 GTO – Photo Jim Corenman

From Kaitlyn Johnson at San Juan Island EMS… 

Francis Smith – Contributed Photo

Francis Smith is a senior EMT. He has been with the agency for 12 years, and was a District 3 fire captain for 17 years. Smith is currently organizing a cardiac event response team of Cape San Juan and Cattle Point residents who have completed the CPR/AED course through San Juan Island EMS. Francis and his wife, Rebecca, a retired EMT, are avid yachties, travel trailer rats, and birders.

A message from County Auditor, F. Milene Henley…

The San Juan County Canvassing Board will convene Monday, August 14, at 8:30 a.m. for the purpose of canvassing challenged ballots cast in the August 1 primary. In order to protect the secrecy of the voters, all ballots cleared by the Canvassing Board for processing, as well as other late-arriving ballots, will be processed at the same time. The results will be posted late Monday afternoon.

The purpose of the primary is to determine which two candidates in each of two San Juan Island school board races will go on to the general election in November. Because of close preliminary results, the results on Monday will also determine whether there will be a recount between candidates Heather Christensen and Ruth McKenna for the right to appear on the general election ballot for the San Juan Island School District’s Board Director #1 position. If the difference between the two contestants is less than .25%, state law requires a hand recount. If the difference is between .25% and .50%, a machine recount is required.

The Canvassing Board will re-convene at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 15, in the San Juan County Elections Office, to sign the certification documents for the election. If a recount is required, the Canvassing Board will set a date for the recount.

All interested members of the public are invited to observe.

A message from Gail at the Mullis Center…

Are you turning 65 soon and wondering how to navigate the complicated world of Medicare enrollment? Come listen to and ask questions of Pat Van Skyhawk and Curt Van Hyning, community SHIBA volunteers (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors).

• At the Mullis Center, 589 Nash Street
• August 15th 2:00 – 3:30
• Cost? FREE
• No pre-registration necessary – just come join us!

This training will cover Traditional Medicare coverage, Medicare Advantage Plan, prescription drug coverage, gaps, enrollment and fraud protection.

“I turned 65 last year and found the assistance of SHIBA volunteers invaluable!” – Peggy Sue McRae

Learn about bees at the Master Gardeners booth at the San Juan County Fair August 16 – 19…

Bumblebee with Bachelor Button – Contributed Photo

Did you know that native bees and honey bees love blue and violet flowers?

Why? Plants may have evolved blue and violet flowers to be attractive to their most efficient pollinators. A bee’s eye perceives blue, violet, and ultraviolet light best. They have no photoreceptors for red and orange, as hummingbirds do. Blue and violet flowers are often nectar-rich, providing a sugary energy source very important to bees.

To attract bees to your garden, include plants with blue or violet flowers that bloom in sequence throughout the bee’s foraging season, from early spring to late fall. Bees also use fragrance to locate flowers, as their visual acuity is quite low – they see clearly only within two feet – so use scent to your advantage (and theirs!). Simple white flowers like daisies and Queen Anne’s Lace are also very attractive to bees. They often have patterned ‘landing strips’ that highlight the nectar location. The bee’s ultraviolet receptors see amazing flower patterns we cannot. Once they’ve found your garden, bees will forage on flowers of all colors – but blue and violet flowers will help bring them in!

Be sure to visit the Master Gardeners booth at the San Juan County Fair. There will be a microscope to see our pollinators up close, a game with prizes, and examples of plants bees love, including borage and pincushion flower (Scabiosa). And be sure to pick up our brochure of plants for pollinators, including natives that will be included in our spring Native Plant Sale.

Master Gardeners are available throughout the year on San Juan, Orcas and Lopez islands to answer your gardening questions. Whether you have questions about your soil, have a problem with your fruit trees, or are thinking about starting a garden, volunteers will be happy to provide you with science-based information to help you succeed. Visit our website for more information: http://extension.wsu.edu/sanjuan/master-gardeners/

Chamber of Commerce member of the month Lauren Jawer describes her inspiration for Belle Terre Ceramics…

Lauren Jawer – Contributed Photo

Belle Terre Ceramics rose to the surface while I was working as a sales person for Pelindaba Lavender farm in Friday Harbor, Washington. Being surrounded by lavender products of all sorts charged my creativity for the development of a much-needed soap dish to fit their lovely square lavender soap. This effort directed me to make a dish that protected the soap as well as esthetically representing the botanical image. Using a relief technique with clay accomplished raising the soap away from the surface to drain and dry it as well as delighting in seeing the lavender with dimension.  

It became apparent that there were many wonderful handcrafted soaps being produced and not an enormous selection of soap dishes to cradle them. So off I ran to make soap dishes of many patterns of raised images. This moved into other dishes such as trays for food or jewelry or tiny dishes like tea caddys. 

I currently use a white earthenware which acts as a good canvas for my soft and light colored palate. I chose these colors because I want the pieces to have a sun lit reflected quality that creates good feelings. I like to think of the pieces as functional eye candy.
Living in a place such as Friday Harbor, an island accessible only by ferry, I am away from the strip malls and housing developments. I have found this emersion into my rural surroundings a unique opportunity to slow down and see the pieces that make up my island home which then gets transposed into patterns and images on clay. It has become my circle of life which I am happy to share with you when you visit Belle Terre.

Ceramics can be purchased at Pelindaba Lavender stores, Island Studios on Spring Street and Belle Terre Island Ceramics at 970 Terrace drive. 360/378-9425 [email protected]

Thinking about hosting a summer brunch? Here’s Merri Ann Simonson with timely tips for entertaining at home… 

From Gail at the Mullis Center…

Mullis Center Parking Lot Sale

Spread the word to family, friends, neighbors…… We still have spots available for our Parking Lot Sale & BBQ Fundraiser on Saturday, August 12th, 9am-2pm! Call (360) 378-2677 or visit the Center to reserve your selling spot!

We will also be accepting donations of items to sell on Friday afternoon, 1-4pm (no large furniture please). 

Come search for treasures to buy and have some yummy food too (cinnamon buns, bbq burgers and hot dogs (11am on for bbq food). We hope to see you there!

If you would like to volunteer for this event, contact Debbie at 360-472-0303 or [email protected].

Riding at the Fair – Photo Ted Strutz

A timely reminder from Ashey King, Program Coordinator for the San Juan County Parks and Fair…

Thinking about riding your horse in the Fair? The answer is yes! Many classes to choose from, including the always-entertaining Western Games! Visit the Fair website (www.sjcfair.org) to learn more about scheduling, class descriptions and registration today! Registration deadline is August 10. For general questions call the Fair Office 360-378-4310 or email info @ sjcfair . org.

Washington State would like your help checking for invasive wood-boring insects. Here is the message from Olympia…

Citrus Longhorn Beetle – Photo courtesy Plant Protection Service

The Washington Invasive Species Council and a consortium of agencies and universities are asking residents to check trees and swimming pools in their yards for harmful bugs as part of the national Tree Check Month in August.

August is the peak time of year to find invasive bugs like citrus longhorned beetles, emerald ash borers and other aggressive wood-boring insects. Trees near your home and in your neighborhood, the “urban forest,” are as susceptible as trees in rural and wild forests.

“Invasive insects can destroy Washington’s forests and have a large economic impact,” said Justin Bush, executive coordinator of the Washington Invasive Species Council. “A few minutes of your time could save the state millions of dollars and protect more than 22 million acres of forests that are at risk from invasive insects and diseases.”

The Washington Invasive Species Council, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Washington State University Extension are asking residents to take 10 minutes to go outside and inspect their trees. Invasive wood boring insects typically emerge from trees in August.

The experts also suggest that all pool owners check their pool skimmers and filters for invasive bugs. Emerging adult insects often end up as debris collected in pool filters. On the East Coast, pool owners detected invasive beetles in pools far before they were found in conventional pest survey traps.

Residents who see any invasive insects or signs of them, should take photographs and report the find immediately at www.invasivespecies.wa.gov/report.shtml, where they can access the reporting form or download the free WA Invasives mobile app. If the insect can be captured or collected, each county has a Washington State University Extension Office and Master Gardener Program that can help identify suspect insects. Continue Reading

Amelia Bedelia is this week’s Pet of the Week – Contributed photo

What do you mean, your husband won’t let you have a cat? Did I miss something here? Is it 1954 all over again? Are women supposed to be happy with a new ironing board once in a while and an occasional trip to Connie’s Cut-n-Curl? I think not!

Ladies, this is YOUR time! You are in the driver’s seat! You are in control of your destiny! You need a cat!

May I suggest a Calico cat, with very low miles and a charming personality? If I may, then please come meet me at the animal shelter. My name is Amelia Bedelia and together we can rule the world! Girl Power!

Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor
111 Shelter Road
(360) 378-2158

County Board and Advisory Committee Vacancies and Positions with terms ending within 45 days of 08/03/2017

The County Council is searching for San Juan County citizens to fill current and upcoming vacancies on various boards and commissions.

Persons interested in serving on a board or advisory committee should fill out an Advisory Committee Application or Contact the Council Office at: (360) 378-2898 or email: [email protected]

Additional information about each committee is available on the County’s website at: http://sanjuanco.com/641/Board-Committee-Vacancies.