What’s up around the island….

Rhiana in action at the Colgate Country Showdown at Point Defiance Park Friday...she was the runnerup in the contest. The winner got $100K & a trip to Nashville....so close!

Let’s see what’s up….

• Remember we talked about how up-and-coming singer Rhiana Franklin was singing at that contest in Seattle (or somewhere that way….)…?

Well, the thing was on Friday, and out of 14 folks who sang, she was the runner-up to the guy who won.

Rhiana will be singing around the island (and Western Washington) this summer, and I sure hope you get a chance to catch her. She writes evocative songs, sings them and other covers in a memorable way, and isn’t afflicted with the usual ego problems of someone so talented…she’s a great kid who is easy to cheer for.

She continues to amaze….here’s your chance to hear her, with her original song, Cover Story:

• Shann sends in the word about a couple of great grads:

Elean (left) and Kylie

Elena Mae Porten and Kylie Foster graduated cum laude from Seattle University in June, 2010. Both girls paired Spanish with another major (Elena-International Studies and Kylie-Social Work).

Elena is working on island over the summer to prepare for travel and teaching. Kylie is working in Seattle at Child Haven in her field. Elena and Kylie and their families thank the wider community and circle of family and friends that supported and nurtured them into young adulthood.

•  Fire Marshal Steve Marler over at the County Fire Department says the open burning season is ready to wrap – here’s more:

The open burning season comes to an end as of the first of July.  All San Juan County burn permits expire at that time.  Depending upon weather conditions at the time, burn permits will be available again starting in October.

Inter Island Medical Center had their Annual Staff Party this past Saturday at the Fairgrounds, with a huge BBQ/potluck for all the staff. And... Juan Unpingco won the 2009 Employee of the Year!

Recreational fires are still allowable and do not require a permit.  To qualify as a recreational fire, the burn area cannot be more than two-feet in diameter, and be centered in a clear area at least six feet in diameter.  Designated campfire rings at developed campsites meet this fire safety requirement.

Should weather conditions become very warm and dry this summer or fall, a total ban on outside fires may be instituted.  Should that become necessary, signs will be posted around the County, and all media outlets will be notified.

The San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Office is tasked with maintaining the fire safety of our beautiful County.  Fire prevention services are provided throughout the entire County through a cooperative agreement between the fire protection districts based on Orcas, San Juan, Lopez and Shaw Islands.

Thought for the day.... 🙂

The Dock got rocked last year....wahoo!

•  Mary Kalbert & the Rotary Club & the Lions Club wanted to invite you:

This is the ninth year the San Juan Island Rotary Club’s “Rock the Dock” street party on July 4th will be held on the waterfront at the main dock of Friday Harbor marina.

It began on July 4th, 2002 with a prayer for good weather, no foul-ups  with the Timebenders Band getting here from Victoria, and an idea to give the community an old fashioned street dance and fireworks party for  the entire family at an affordable price.

This year the Lions Club will provide the food, as they have done over the years, and make some bucks for their coffers as well.

In 2009 Bob Coleman from Islanders Bank recognized Rotary’s contribution to the community and Islanders Bank became the sole sponsor for “Rock the Dock”. All gate proceeds became available to the  Rotary club to fund charitable projects. This is the second year  Islanders Bank will sponsor this event.

On July 4th, Local band “No Particular Order” will play from 5:30 until 6:30. Then the Timebenders will “Rock the Dock” until the fireworks start. Children 12 and under free! All other tickets are ten bucks a pop. Come on down! Join us again this year for a drum-thumping good time!

The parade is at 10:30am, and the Pig War Picnic is right after....

• That’s not the only thing on the Fourth (besides the parade at 10:30am, but you already knew about that!) The Pig War Picnic is huge – here’s more from the Kiwanis Club’s Barry Jacobson:

Once again, Kiwanis of Friday Harbor is presenting the Fourth of July Pig War Picnic at the San Juan Historical Museum on Price Street, starting right after the parade ends, at about 11 o’clock.

This year’s celebration will have more games and activities than ever.  Lunches are only $5 and there will be an abundance of food, including fresh BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, grilled hot dogs with all the trimmings, coleslaw, and chips.  Drinks, including soft drinks and ice coffee, and hot fudge sundaes will also be available.  There will be a beer garden, too, featuring both beer and wine.

Happy Birthday, Brenna!

Musical entertainment will be non-stop, and includes performances by, among others, Mallett, Rythmatics and The One More Time Band. Kids and adults will have plenty to do, with games and activities including bucket rides, face painting, an egg toss contest, a three-legged race, the bucket brigade, and a cakewalk. Mike Vouri will be re-telling the “Pig War” story.

Awards for entries in the Fourth of July Parade will be announced at 1:00 p.m.  If families are looking for a way to spend a few hours relaxing and enjoying themselves without spending a lot of money, this is the place to be.  The fun begins when the parade ends and goes on until 4 pm.

• Next week, Duck Soup Inn is open six days a week – Tuesday through Sunday – for the season!

The re-do of the front of Kings Market is complete, and really brightens up Spring Street....

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