The Whale Museum was ready to party in the parade on Saturday...

A number of you have written in saying you wanted to find those pictures we took for the Fourth of July (heck, there’s 250+ of ’em, and you ARE in there, probably).

It’s easy – click here to see ’em! – and see the smiling faces from last weekend’s sunny day (that’s Jenny from Whale Museum waving to the crowd.)

Portfolio One of Pictures from the Fourth of July Parade in Friday Harbor

Portfolio Two of Pictures from the Fourth of July Parade in Friday Harbor

Leaves from Limekiln Preserve, photographed by Tori Benz-Hillstrom

I checked in with Diane at the Land Bank about that photo exhibit they were putting together, and she sent me a few examples, plus the story about what it looks like:

County Residents Participate in Land Bank Photography Exhibit

Inspired members of our island communities shared favorite photographs of Land Bank preserves for the first annual Eye of the Beholder – a Photography Exhibit celebrating the citizen’s Land Bank of San Juan County. Participants came from Orcas, Lopez and San Juan Islands.

Sunset from Turtleback Mountain, by Jennifer Johnson-Fralick

The photos cover a variety of scales and subjects, from stunning vistas to textures and patterns of individual plants and substrates.  Among these, students from Greg Ewert’s photography class on Lopez Island captured unique perspectives of Watmough Bight and Hummel Lake Preserves, including images of pond lilies and sea shore life.  Tori Benz-Hillstrom of Friday Harbor says she was “drawn to the beauty of the little things that make our frequent walks at Limekiln Preserve so wonderful.”

Works will be displayed at the Lopez Farmers Market (July 11th), Orcas Library Fair (August 8th) and San Juan County Fair (August 9-12), and on the Land Bank website. All participants will receive a mounted print of their work.

About the San Juan County Land Bank

In 1990, San Juan County voters approved funding for the San Juan County Land Bank through a one percent real estate transfer tax. This tax is paid by purchasers of Property in the County. Land Bank funds are set aside expressly for the purpose of preserving the scenic and natural heritage of the San Juan Islands.

Through conservation easements or outright purchases, the Land Bank protects special properties in the County. These may be shorelines, wildlife habitat, woodlands, wetlands, homesteads, or farmland. The Land Bank has protected nearly 5,000 acres of important conservation lands throughout the San Juan Islands.

Conservation lands open for public enjoyment include the Westside Scenic Corridor and Deadman Bay on San Juan Island; the trio of Preserves bordering Fisherman Bay on Lopez: Weeks Wetland, The Tombolo and The Spit; Crescent Beach Preserve and Turtleback Mountain on Orcas Island.

Third Lagoon and Turtleback Mountain, photographed by Alan Shelley

For many of us, water simply flows from a faucet, and we think little about it beyond this point of contact. We have lost a sense of respect for the wild river, for the complex workings of a wetland, for the intricate web of life that water supports.
Sandra Postel

Ann & Don

In our ongoing series spotlighting the folks who are volunteering at Lime Kiln this summer, this week we’re saluting Don & Ann – here’s more (with questions we asked them):

Name: Ann and Don Jarrell
Number of years visiting &/or living in the San Juan archipelago: 24
Occupation in your real, or unreal, life: Retired  Research Microbiologist and Nuclear Engineer respectively
Furthest place in world from LKPSP that you have visited: Australia and New Zealand…and Bibibino, Siberia, Moscow, Oslo, Norway
Major passions, besides the whales:
Water, our most precious, least understood and most underappreciated resource.

What inspired you to volunteer at Lime Kiln Point State Park? Beachwatchers!

What is it that you most enjoy about volunteering here? Ann -Interacting with the public, hanging out in one of the “seven” wonders of the world (the Salish Sea), and maybe making a little contribution to the health of our ecosystem by introducing visitors to this fragile and awesome place.  Don provides our State Park personnel with working machinery (maintenance shop).

Any memorable park experience that sticks out since volunteering? Too soon to tell….

If you were limited to only one sentence, how would you describe these islands to a visitor right off the ferry? The San Juan Archipeligo is a fragile and isolated microcosm whose condition, while becoming more understood, reflects the condition of the rest of the planet.

Ann & Don

In our ongoing series spotlighting the folks who are volunteering at Lime Kiln this summer, this week we’re saluting Don & Ann – here’s more (with questions we asked them):

Name: Ann and Don Jarrell
Number of years visiting &/or living in the San Juan archipelago: 24
Occupation in your real, or unreal, life: Retired  Research Microbiologist and Nuclear Engineer respectively
Furthest place in world from LKPSP that you have visited: Australia and New Zealand…and Bibibino, Siberia, Moscow, Oslo, Norway
Major passions, besides the whales:
Water, our most precious, least understood and most underappreciated resource.

What inspired you to volunteer at Lime Kiln Point State Park? Beachwatchers!

What is it that you most enjoy about volunteering here? Ann -Interacting with the public, hanging out in one of the “seven” wonders of the world (the Salish Sea), and maybe making a little contribution to the health of our ecosystem by introducing visitors to this fragile and awesome place.  Don provides our State Park personnel with working machinery (maintenance shop).

Any memorable park experience that sticks out since volunteering? Too soon to tell….

If you were limited to only one sentence, how would you describe these islands to a visitor right off the ferry? The San Juan Archipeligo is a fragile and isolated microcosm whose condition, while becoming more understood, reflects the condition of the rest of the planet.

Science is wonderful. You can get such a wholesale return of conjecture from such a trifling investment of fact.
Mark Twain

Just got a note from Brien Lautman at PeaceHealth that they’ve got a signed purchase agreement for a 22-acre site, located just across the way from the entrance to the airport, on San Juan Valley Road, just as you leave Town. Here’s more:

Site Chosen for New San Juan Island Integrated Medical Center and Critical Access Hospital

PeaceHealth officials announced today they have signed a purchase agreement on a 22-acre site near Friday Harbor Airport where they plan to build a new Integrated Medical Center and Critical Access Hospital, scheduled to open in the summer of 2012.

PeaceHealth and the San Juan County Public Hospital District #1 (Hospital District) in March approved a long-term agreement to significantly expand on-island healthcare services for Hospital District residents and Island visitors.  The 50-year contract Continue Reading

Jim - playing tonight!

Hey, I checked with Sally at Island Rec and she says that tonight is the opening of the summer’s Music on the Lawn series on Wednesday nights, and things get rolling with the Jim Basnight Band (click here for more – these guys played at Roche Harbor last weekend, and they’re great).

Far as I can remember, Music on the Lawn has never been canceled, but Sally says if it’s too wet this afternoon, she’ll move things indoors at the Mullis Center. So look for the music at either the Historical Museum (hopefully!) or at the Mullis Center. Starts at 6:30pm – see ya there!

We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.
Frederick Keonig

Geoff & Shaun Andres, with Jenny and Phoebe

When Patrick Galvin came to visit the Trumpeter Inn here on the island recently, innkeepers Shaun & Geoff took care of him really well, the way they do with everybody. This included making a carry-on breakfast because he had to leave early for the red-eye, and stuff like that.

Well, Patrick writes the Buzz Builder Blog to help business people learn how to use word of mouth marketing to increase their companies’ credibility, visibility, and sales.

Galvin spreads the word...

He started the Buzz Builder Blog in January 2005 to provide entrepreneurs with creative ways to market their products or services without expensive advertising. He calls himself the Chief Galvanizer of Galvin Communications, a word of mouth marketing and public relations firm in Portland, Oregon.

He offers a good example of how the good word can spread, if you give someone something good to talk about. Way to go, Shaun & Geoff!

Georgia from the Mullis Center has a deal for you:

Island ala Carte is the new coupon book  created by the Mullis Community Senior Center and available starting today! The book features discounts and specials at over 140 merchants on San Juan Island. It is divided into sections featuring food, lodging, services, retail, beauty, and things to do. It sells for $29.92, with proceeds going to the Mullis Center.

The book will be available on a regular basis at Island Wools, the Souvenir Store, and the Mullis Center.

Virginia Otto, who developed the book, reminds people that the book is for everyone on the island. It is not just for seniors.  She stated, “This is a win-win situation for everyone. The businesses get customers and the customers get discounts. And the sale of the book will benefit the Mullis Center.”

For the last twenty years it’s been a side interest of mine to see what a trashy species (that would be us) can do to clean up its act.

After hearing Charles Moore last year (Doris Estabrooks arranged for him to come explain how trash & styrofoam are choking the oceans), I was glad to hear that the Town Council & County Council are considering a styrofoam ban…it’s time to finish the “considering stage” and do it!

Here’s more from the anti-litter committee:

Gotta go....

STYROFOAM TAKE-OUT FOOD CONTAINERS – IT’S TIME TO GO!

It’s been 13 years since the 1996 Solid Waste Management Plan was adopted by the County and Town. The Plan states that “Solid Waste staff will explore the possibility of a ban on polystyrene food packaging (Styrofoam) in the Town and County as allowed under RCW70.95C.100 and will prepare a recommendation for the Board of County Commissioners in 1997.”

This ban has been 13 years in the making.

Business, service group and individual members of the all volunteer “San Juan Island Anti-Litter Initiative” have drafted an ordinance to ban Styrofoam “take out” food containers from San Juan County.  The Town of Friday Harbor will hold a hearing on this ordinance on July 16 at 5:30 in the Town Council Chambers. San Juan County Council will discuss this issue on July 28 at 3:30 in the Council Legislative Building.

This Ordinance is the brain-child of Doris Estabrooks, 87, who has gathered over 1600 signatures for a ban since 2006. Estabrooks became concerned with impacts of Styrofoam on our health and the impacts to wildlife. Estabrooks appeared before the Town Council in 2007 requesting a ban on Styrofoam and the Council responded through the adoption of a Town of Friday Harbor Resolution banning Styrofoam from Town Hall and encouraging local businesses to voluntarily ban Styrofoam food containers, which was adopted in 2007. After a strong grass roots effort since then, many businesses still use Styrofoam as take-out containers.

A similar ban on Styrofoam has been realized in Portland, Oregon nearly 20 years ago. Since then, other cities such as Seattle and Berkeley have adopted similar bans.

The ordinance phases out all Styrofoam take out containers by April 22, 2010, giving businesses with foam inventory time to convert to alternatives.

Enforcement is just another line item on the regular restaurant inspections and would be done in partnership with the local Health Officer and Enforcement officer.  The incremental burden is small and costs nearly nothing.

Our state legislature established waste reduction as the first priority for the collection, handling, and management of solid waste; and found that it is “necessary to change manufacturing and purchasing practices and waste generation behaviors to reduce the amount of waste that becomes a governmental responsibility.” Our community has been waiting 13 years to clean up our waste stream.

Shouldn’t we comply with the existing recommendations from the Town of Friday Harbor and the San Juan County Council?

It’s time to pass an ordinance to ban Styrofoam take-out food containers!

–San Juan Island Anti-Litter Coalition Steering Committee:
Doris Estabrooks, David Dehlendorf, Lori Stokes, Debbie Pigman, San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce; Sam Jacobson, Roche Harbor Resort; Jack Cory, Island Guardian; Stephanie Buffum-Field, Friends of the San Juans; Richard Walker, Journal of the San Juans, Beth Helstien, and John McBride, Unified Retailer.

For the last twenty years it’s been a side interest of mine to see what a trashy species (that would be us) can do to clean up its act.

After hearing Charles Moore last year (Doris Estabrooks arranged for him to come explain how trash & styrofoam are choking the oceans), I was glad to hear that the Town Council & County Council are considering a styrofoam ban…it’s time to finish the “considering stage” and do it!

Here’s more from the anti-litter committee:

Gotta go....

STYROFOAM TAKE-OUT FOOD CONTAINERS – IT’S TIME TO GO!

It’s been 13 years since the 1996 Solid Waste Management Plan was adopted by the County and Town. The Plan states that “Solid Waste staff will explore the possibility of a ban on polystyrene food packaging (Styrofoam) in the Town and County as allowed under RCW70.95C.100 and will prepare a recommendation for the Board of County Commissioners in 1997.”

This ban has been 13 years in the making.

Business, service group and individual members of the all volunteer “San Juan Island Anti-Litter Initiative” have drafted an ordinance to ban Styrofoam “take out” food containers from San Juan County.  The Town of Friday Harbor will hold a hearing on this ordinance on July 16 at 5:30 in the Town Council Chambers. San Juan County Council will discuss this issue on July 28 at 3:30 in the Council Legislative Building.

This Ordinance is the brain-child of Doris Estabrooks, 87, who has gathered over 1600 signatures for a ban since 2006. Estabrooks became concerned with impacts of Styrofoam on our health and the impacts to wildlife. Estabrooks appeared before the Town Council in 2007 requesting a ban on Styrofoam and the Council responded through the adoption of a Town of Friday Harbor Resolution banning Styrofoam from Town Hall and encouraging local businesses to voluntarily ban Styrofoam food containers, which was adopted in 2007. After a strong grass roots effort since then, many businesses still use Styrofoam as take-out containers.

A similar ban on Styrofoam has been realized in Portland, Oregon nearly 20 years ago. Since then, other cities such as Seattle and Berkeley have adopted similar bans.

The ordinance phases out all Styrofoam take out containers by April 22, 2010, giving businesses with foam inventory time to convert to alternatives.

Enforcement is just another line item on the regular restaurant inspections and would be done in partnership with the local Health Officer and Enforcement officer.  The incremental burden is small and costs nearly nothing.

Our state legislature established waste reduction as the first priority for the collection, handling, and management of solid waste; and found that it is “necessary to change manufacturing and purchasing practices and waste generation behaviors to reduce the amount of waste that becomes a governmental responsibility.” Our community has been waiting 13 years to clean up our waste stream.

Shouldn’t we comply with the existing recommendations from the Town of Friday Harbor and the San Juan County Council?

It’s time to pass an ordinance to ban Styrofoam take-out food containers!

–San Juan Island Anti-Litter Coalition Steering Committee:
Doris Estabrooks, David Dehlendorf, Lori Stokes, Debbie Pigman, San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce; Sam Jacobson, Roche Harbor Resort; Jack Cory, Island Guardian; Stephanie Buffum-Field, Friends of the San Juans; Richard Walker, Journal of the San Juans, Beth Helstien, and John McBride, Unified Retailer.

Chillaxing by the marina....

As the crowds clear out & the Fourth of July becomes a happy but fading memory, there is time to sit still & reflect on the waning days of summer, and the rest of the year ahead. (I shot this a week ago at Fairweather Park that overlooks the Marina, before the big rush kicked in….) -00-

A lone member of K pod, with Mount Baker in the background....photo by Jim Maya

A quick thanks to Jim Maya and everyone who sends their cool photos in…they help to tell the story better than words! -00-

Load up on veggies...

Rain or shine, the Farmers’ Market is open tomorrow for Wednesday Market, then Saturday as well… eat local! Here’s more from Lei:

The mid-week farmers’ market is still happening on Wednesdays at the lawn on Second Street, across from the Courthouse parking lot.  One of the venders is Eliza Buck of Sowing Circle Gardens & Seeds.

Sowing Circle Gardens & Seeds offers vegetable, herb and flower plants and seeds at the mid-week farmer’s market. Eliza Buck and Dan Shelley started carving a garden out of woodland in the center of San Juan Island in 2003. Today, the diverse gardens include 24 varieties of fruit & nut trees, caneberries, strawberries and 40 blueberry bushes inner-woven with a series of raised beds to rotate crops of vegetables, herbs and flowers for harvest and for seed.

Currently, at Sowing Circle Gardens stand you will find “mini-gardens,” mid-summer starts, strawberries and garlic. In the coming weeks, look for winter starts and a variety of berries and plums.

Nootka Rose Farm will have zucchini, basil, broccoli, cauliflower, fava beans, sweet onions and more.  Our bouquets of seasonal local flowers will liven up your house.  Our flowers this week include lilies, dahlias, crocosmias, and sunflowers.