In the SJ Update mailbag this morning we have a letter from Ruth McKenna, Candidate for SJI School Board…

Vote for Ruth McKenna–
San Juan Island Schools Director 1

Dear Editor,

The schools on San Juan Island have been the center of the community for over a century. The district teaches over 800 students, employs over 100 community members and puts $1 million dollars per month into the economy. Governing the schools is a serious responsibility.

As a school district Director, I will challenge the district to make rapid progress on parent issues with Special Education and the rigor of the K-12 learning continuum. These concerns were voiced at the League of Women Voters Candidates’ Forum last week and were also identified in the January 2016 San Juan Island Management Review report. This report outlines serious program gaps and identifies specific recommendations for change based on the latest educational research and best practices. District budget priorities and staff focus need to demonstrate a commitment to fix Special Education and deliver rigorous learning for all students next year.

I bring over 40 years of experience in schools across the nation. I have seen how similar schools addressed the same challenges and made rapid progress. I would like to share this expertise with the Board and school community to avoid pitfalls and build on successes for the benefit of island students.

Sincerely,
Ruth McKenna

“Triumphant, joyful blues-soaked R&B… one of the most soulful, honest singers ever” -Blues Revue

Curtis Salgado returns to San Juan Community Theatre this Saturday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m.—this time with his band, after wowing Friday Harbor last summer in a duo appearance with Alan Hagar, and recently garnering THREE 2017 Blues Music Awards.

With a career spanning forty years, the soul, blues and R&B vocalist/harmonicist/songwriter won all three of the 2017 Blues Music Awards he was nominated for: “Song of the Year” for Walk a Mile in My Blues; “Soul Blues Album”; and “Soul Blues Male Artist.”

From co-fronting The Robert Cray Band to leading his own band (and recording nine solo albums) to helping transform John Belushi into “Joliet” Jake Blues to touring the country with Steve Miller and Santana, he is a true musical giant. NPR calls him “a blues icon” with a “huge voice.”

Tickets are available on-line at www.sjctheatre.org or at the SJCT Box Office 378-3210.

Kati English is EMT of the Month – Contributed photo

Congratulations Kati English! Kati has been an EMT since 2016 and currently works as an ER tech at Peace Island Medical Center.

She spends her time helping others, teaching her young German Shepard new tricks and flying with her fiancé, a pilot for Island Air. 

Kati is very amiable and a great jokester around the station.  If staffing comes up short for an event or shift, Kati is often willing to fill in. Kati also recently received the rookie of the year award.

We would like to thank you Kati for your dedication and generous spirit.  Keep on smiling!

Friday evenings in July & August, beginning at dusk, in Sunken Park. Island Rec’s FREE Movies in the Park.

Island Rec’s Free Movies in the Park series for 2017 is officially underway. For week two, we are showing Cool Runnings! When a Jamaican Sprinter is disqualified from the Olympic Games, he enlists the help of a dishonored coach (John Candy) to start the first Jamaican Bobsled team. Come early with your blankets and chairs and find your friendly neighbors at this wonderful community event, sun sets at 9:05pm.

The rest of the season’s movies that follow will be:
August 28^th – Minions – Sunset – 8:55pm
August 4^th – Toy Story – Sunset – 8:45pm

Go to www.islandrec.org or call Island Rec at 378-4953 for more information. Free popcorn. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. No alcohol please. Sponsored by FANS – Families and Neighbors support Island Rec.

WaterWorks Gallery is hosting an Invitational Jewelry Show featuring jewelers from America and Canada where artists investigate the concept of a border and crossing a border while looking at the similarities and differences that occur between people living “across the border”. This show hopes to demonstrate the parallels and contrasts between nations and artists. What choices are made in ideas,​ ​materials & techniques?

American Jewelers
Maru Almeida, Laurie Hall, Micki Lippe, Suzanne Osborn, Stephanie Tomczak and Myung Urso

Canadian Jewelers
Lydia Buxton, Bridget Catchpole, Suzanne Nairne, Louise Perrone, and Susan Remmant

Reception for the artists, Friday July 21st​ ​4-7 pm

Artists tal​k​/walk of the show on Saturday, July 22nd from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at WaterWorks Gallery.

Fun family event for kids at the library…

Help make cookie cutter bird feeders. They’re super easy to make. We will make enough for each child to take one home and for us to hang in the trees by the Library!

Free, just drop in the Library for a fun time!
Thursday, July 20th, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm.

Some of the action in last year’s race – Contributed photo

Sponsored by the San Juan Island Yacht Club, the 47^th Annual Shaw Island Classic Sailboat Race will be held Saturday, August 12. All eligible boats and crews are invited to participate. The race starts from Friday Harbor and circumnavigates scenic Shaw Island in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction arriving back in Friday Harbor for a hearty lasagna dinner and awards presentation. The race is a navigational challenge as currents, wind and projected boat speed must be considered to determine which way to ‘round the island.

The race is open to registered PHRF boats and cruising sailboats of all sizes and rigs, as well as multihulls and unballasted centerboards. Trophies will be awarded for the first three finishers in each class based on corrected time, adjusted for PHRF or committee-assigned ratings.

Race details and registration information are posted on the Club’s website at www.sjiyc.com.

Daniel Day – Contributed photo

Daniel Day writes to let you know he will be playing later this week…

I’m playing a mix of my original tunes and a few favorite covers this Friday at Cynthia’s restaurant, 65 Nichols Street, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

Why do sad songs make me happy? I know the good eats and drinks will make you happy!

Be kind to animals,

Love,
Daniel Day

Well according to the fine print on the temporary schedule, we could be down to 4 boats for the remainder of the month and possibly into August (we should have 5 boats this time of year). Here’s the revised temporary schedule.

And here’s the official word from WSF:

Because of a generator failure on the M/V Yakima, the Anacortes/San Juan Islands/Sidney, BC route is operating on a four-boat emergency schedule until another vessel can join the route and restore it to a full five-boat capacity. See the alternative schedule online at http://bit.ly/AnaSJsTempSchedule.

Sailing times have been adjusted to prioritize domestic travel in the San Juan Islands, canceling the morning international sailings to and from Sidney, British Columbia. For domestic travelers, customers with existing reservations will get priority on a first-come, first-served basis each day. Reservation holders who choose not to travel will not be charged a no-show fee and don’t need to cancel their reservation.

For those international travelers booked on the morning sailing to Sidney, your reservations will be honored on the afternoon sailing at 2:50 pm. As an alternative, your reservation will also be honored on BC Ferries, which has early morning sailings available from the Vancouver area to Sidney (Swartz Bay) or Nanaimo. Visit www.bcferries.com or call 1-888-BC-FERRY to let them know that your reservation has been affected by the Washington State Ferries vessel breakdown.

WSF reservations from Anacortes to Sidney can be canceled at any time without incurring a no-show fee by visiting www.takeaferry.com or by calling 1-888-808-7977.

WSF is not accepting new vehicle reservations at this time, though there is a limited amount of vehicle stand-by space on every sailing. Please plan to arrive at the terminal early and consider walking on to the ferry.

We apologize for the inconvenience this causes and thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to restore full service on this route.

Here is more info on the current ferry mess in the San Juans. First a note from Miles Crossen and then a couple of WSF Email Alerts from earlier today…

Just a heads up. Word on the street according to Huggy Bear is the fact that folks with reservations for ferry rides over the past few days since the Ferry Fiasco of July 2017, are being charged $10 for missing a boat that wasn’t there. It also seems the refund isn’t automatic. Apparently the individuals need to contact WSF to get their money refunded. Someone might want to look into this. It seems like the public should know about this if it is indeed true.

Miles Crossen

******

The Tillikum is running an estimated one hour late due to its slower vessel speed and modified service during reduced vessel capacity. This has delayed the 11:35am sailing from Friday Harbor to Anacortes and the 1:10pm sailing from Anacortes to Friday Harbor.

The Hyak is running an estimated one hour late due to earlier electrical maintenance and modified service for reduced vessel capacity. This has delayed the 11:15am sailing from Lopez to Anacortes and the 12:20pm sailing from Anacortes to Friday Harbor.

Springer with her 2 calves – Photo by Lisa Spaven, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Here’s the latest from the Whale Museum…

On June 5th, CetaceaLab spotted Springer (A73) with her second calf off of British Columbia’s north central coast. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) later confirmed the new addition. Springer’s first calf, Spirit was born in 2013.

This summer marks the 15th year since Springer was successfully reunited with her family. Springer overcame incredible odds when her mother died and she was found alone and emaciated off the waters of Seattle in 2002. Not only was Springer sick, she developed unhealthy relationships with boats and people, becoming a danger to herself. On June 12th, Springer was captured and brought to a sea pen in Manchester (WA) where she was treated for medical conditions and nursed back to health. On July 13, she was transported to a sea pen at Dongchong Bay on Hanson Island, British Columbia where she eagerly called to her relatives. On July 14, Springer was released amidst her family and eventually created a close bond with her great aunt Yakat.

Read more Whale Museum E-News at this link.

Roche Harbor Trails

Mike Buettell, volunteer trail builder will lead us on a hike through the extensive trail system next to the Roche Harbor Resort. Mike and his group of volunteers are proud of the trail building and maintenance and you will want to return and explore on your own.

• When: Saturday July 22, 1:00 to 4:00 pm
• Where: Meet and park at the intersection of Roche Harbor and West Valley Roads.
• Distance: 3.5 miles.
• Rating: Moderate on gentle trails.

Dogs on leashes are welcome.

As of 8:47 PM, Monday evening…

The Yakima is out of service until further notice due to a problem with the vessel’s generator. The Anacortes/San Juan’s route will be operating on an adjusted schedule on July 18. There are no new reservations at this time. Those with reservations on any sailing for July 18 will be given priority, but loaded on a first come, first served basis for any in service sailings. Reservation holders who choose not to sail today will not receive a no show fee.

Please view the adjusted sailing schedule for Tuesday, July 18 at the link below.

Schedule: http://bit.ly/July18Schedule

WSF Yakima at Friday Harbor Ferry Landing – SJ Update file photo

You may have heard or noticed the Yakima was out of service yesterday. Well it’s still out and WSF has issued this temporary schedule change for the rest of today…

The Yakima is out of service until further notice due to a problem with the vessel’s generator. This will cancel the following sailings:

Westbound:
4:15am to Friday Harbor, 7:25am to Orcas and Shaw, 10:20am to Shaw and Orcas, 2:00pm to Friday Harbor, 5:10pm to Lopez, 7:20pm to Lopez.

Eastbound:
5:45am Friday Harbor to Lopez, 8:50am Orcas to Shaw, 12:05pm Orcas to Shaw, 3:45pm Friday Harbor non-stop, 6:15pm Lopez, 8:45pm Orcas non-stop.

The following supplemental schedule is in place for July 17 due to the Yakima’s cancelled sailings:

Anacortes (Hyak) 4:15am to Friday Harbor, returning from Friday Harbor at 5:45am with a stop at Lopez. Anacortes 7:15am to Friday Harbor, returning from Friday Harbor at 8:40am to Anacortes. Anacortes 10:00am to Lopez and returning from Lopez at 11:00am.

Anacortes 1:10pm (additional sailing with the Tillikum) to Friday Harbor (then continues to inter-island schedule eastbound).

The (Samish) departs Anacortes at 9:05am making additional stops to Shaw/Orcas returning eastbound from Orcas at 10:40am, 11:00am from Shaw and arriving in Anacortes at 12:05pm and then continues with an Anacortes 12:35pm to Shaw/Orcas and returns from Shaw/Orcas to Anacortes.

The afternoon sailing from Anacortes to Sidney will make a stop at Friday Harbor to drop off traffic.

Afternoon/Evening Schedule Adjustments Update:

The Tillikum will make an additional trip to Friday Harbor and then continue service as the inter-island schedule on the eastbound return.
The 2:50pm afternoon sailing from Anacortes to Sidney Elwha will make a stop at Friday Harbor to drop off traffic.

The Hyak will make a 4:45pm sailing from Anacortes to Lopez and Friday Harbor and return from Friday Harbor with a 6:40pm to Anacortes and will also make a 8:20pm from Anacortes Friday Harbor, returning from F.H. with a 10:00pm making all stops on the return to Anacortes.

The Samish will make a 6:45pm sailing from Anacortes to Lopez and return from Lopez with a 7:35pm sailing to Anacortes. The Samish will also make the regular scheduled 9:00pm departure from Anacortes to Lopez, Shaw, and Orcas, with a return from Orcas at 10:30pm to Anacortes.

There are no new reservations at this time. All reservation holders will be given priority loading and will be loaded first come/first serve. Reservation holders who choose not to sail today will not receive a no show fee. We apologize for the inconvenience. Updates will occur when more information is available.

The New Ocean by Bryn Barnard

Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library present Bryn Barnard and his new children’s book at the library on Wednesday, July 26 at 7:00 pm…

Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library are collaborating to present former islander Bryn Barnard and his latest book for children ages 5—8, The New Ocean: The Fate of Life in a Changing Sea. The author hopes that his thought-provoking book, wrapped in stunning marine images, may spur youngsters to action. “We need science. We need you,” Barnard says.

In a book that’s part compendium of fascinating ocean facts, part wake-up call, Barnard (The Genius of Islam) sounds a warning bell for the world’s seas. After an introduction that discusses the rise of overfishing, global warming, and ocean pollution, the narrative turns to six sea-dwelling creatures (blue-green algae, coral, jellyfish, orcas, sea turtles, and tuna), speculating how each might fare if these trends continue. Noteworthy biological details about each organism precede disturbing facts about the negative impact modern societies have on ocean environments, and in turn, these creatures. The detail and perspectives in Barnard’s paintings will awe readers, even as some scenes appear surreal: an overhead shot of a kayaker paddling into a garbage patch; a turtle’s shell horribly deformed by a plastic six-pack ring.

Bryn Barnard – Contributed photo

About the Author: Bryn Barnard is an author and illustrator whose previous books include The Genius of Islam; Outbreak! Plagues that Changed History; and Dangerous Planet: Natural Disasters that Changed History. As he was working on this book, he wanted to get under the ocean to see, with his own eyes, what he was writing about and painting—so he learned to scuba, which allowed him to experience the beauty and power of the ocean in a new way.