What’s new…..

Brand new counter for the Little Store - it was installed Tuesday...

Let’s see what’s up:

•  An artist at waterworks gallery: Ruth has a bit more about David:

The gallery received new works by David Ridgway. His masterful and colorful landscape oil paintings of the area are wonderful to see this time of year. He uses a color saturated palette to achieve his particular look. David left his home on Orcas Island recently and has relocated to Bellingham. The gallery will continue to represent David and looks forward to paintings from a new perspective.

"farmhouse in winter" by david ridgeway....

• Every five years, the Conservation District reviews its assessment, to keep it going – here’s the info about its public hearing for you, from the CD:

On Tuesday, June 8, 2010, the Board of Supervisors of the San Juan Islands Conservation District will hold a public hearing to gather information and comment regarding its long term resource conservation program and request for renewal of a special assessment to support that program. The proposal to renew the special assessment will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners not later than August 1, 2010 for their approval or amendment.

The proposal requests an annual assessment in the amount Five Dollars per parcel (or 10% of that amount for Designated Forest Land, as prescribed by State law) for a period of five years beginning in 2011. The public hearing will be held at the Grange Hall, 152 First Street, Friday Harbor, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. All interested parties are invited to attend. Written comment (to SJICD, 350 Court Street #10, Friday Harbor  98250) is also welcome. For additional information, contact Josie Byington, Office Manager, at (360) 378-6621.

• Here’s a screen shot from the National Geographic website, featuring a photo by Keith Busha of Lisa Moretti in last year’s Fourth of July parade on San Juan Island – way to go, Keith!

The tamer....

• Amelia from Pelindaba says the new Visitor Center opens this weekend:

On May 28, 2010, at the start of Memorial Day Weekend, a new Visitor Centre will open at Pelindaba Lavender Farm on San Juan Island.

The Visitor Center will feature poster and video monitor exhibits as well as audio self-guided tours covering the history of the farm, lavender cultivation, the processing of essential oil and other raw materials, and the many roles that lavender has played in cultures throughout the world over at least two millennia.

“For several years we have tried to share some of the basics through limited fixed signage in the fields.  In addition, we have given periodic in-depth docent tours, most notably with ElderHostel (now Exploritas) groups, as well as during our annual third-weekend-in-July harvest festival.  The consistently positive reception we have had for these tours has prompted us expand the educational experience more broadly,” said Stephen Robins, founder/owner of the farm.

“In essence, for those who are interested in more than a relaxed stroll through the fields or browsing in the farm store, the Visitor Center will allow us to significantly enhance and enrich the visiting experience throughout the summer season rather just on special occasions.”

In addition to the exhibits, visitors will be able to see the Distillery and, during the late summer distillation, watch it in active operation.  Also, for both adults and children, the lavender craft workshop that has been so popular during the festival will now operate throughout the season.  As always, plant starts will be available for sale along with lavender-based cookies and liquid refreshments.

• Date changes:

– The 2010 Garden Tour has been cancelled this year, so they’re looking ahead to 2011, according to Richard & Fiona Norris.

– FHHS’s graduation will begin at 5pm this year (on Saturday, June 12th) rather than the usual 6pm.

Drop by & check out Jennifer's sale at The Elephant Room....

• Jennifer at The Elephant Room says her Memorial Weekend Sale includes items for $5/$10/$15 – located at 2260 Spring Street, inside Jeri’s Mall.

• When you look at the All-Conference team for lacrosse, you’ll see five San Juan kids: Calen Mehrer, Forrest Dayton, Ryan Guard, Brady Sundberg & Michael Ausilio.

And, with Wednesday night’s win, they’re headed for the championship! They beat Lake Washington 9-8 to move the final at Seattle Memorial Stadium (that’s the one next to the Seattle Center & Space Needle, where the Seattle Marathon ends) with Lynnwood. (Thanks, Facebook friends, for the reports!)

Here’s the state report on the game. And…here are pictures that Sandi Guard pointed us to….

• You can buy rhodies from Mary & Smithy at Bakery San Juan…you’re gonna be planting this weekend anyway – go get some! (Tell ’em you read it in the Update!)

Get 'em at Bakery San Juan!

• Did you see the nice review that Julie & San Juan Florist got in The Insider Pages? Check it out.

• Duck Soup Inn‘s Friday Happy Hour continues….and yep, they’re open from Thursday-Sunday now.

• Meanwhile, Wendy Meyers says the summer hours are set for The Bluff Restaurant-Bar-Terrace at the Friday Harbor House: they’re now open daily Sunday – Thursday 11:00am – 9:00pm, and Friday & Saturday 11:00am – 10:00pm.

• The Tacoma Youth Symphony (92 members!) travels to the island this weekend to play at the Community Theatre – here’s more.

• When our middle school softball girls were over on Orcas the same day as the Sustainability Fair earlier this month, they were interviewed by Didier – check them out:

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