Women’s Fund Members’ Luncheon, 2019 – Contributed photo

The SJI Women’s Fund members voted to award $5,000 to four local nonprofits during the most recent SJICF grant cycle. Compass Health Friday Harbor received support for therapy materials for families with special needs; the San Juan Island Family Resource Center received funds for two programs — Island Neighbors and College Mentoring; and the San Juan County Economic Development Council received funds for an electrical basics training course.

The Women’s Fund celebrated 16 years of giving at their annual member luncheon held at Brickworks on June 20th. Ninety women and girls attended this traditional gathering, organized by Michele Gosinski and emceed by Gay Graham.

At the Luncheon, Lisa Holt and a team of volunteers (human and canine) from PADs for Parkinson’s gave a riveting, educational and entertaining demonstration of how the trained volunteer dogs can identify a unique odor of a person with the disease, distinguishing them from people without Parkinson’s. Continue Reading

Dr. Carolyn Haugen awards the 2019 Joyce L. Sobel Achievement Award to Dr. Mariluz Villa at the Women’s Fund Luncheon – SJICF photo

The Joyce L. Sobel Achievement Award was created by the Women’s Fund to honor Joyce’s legacy of service to the community. Joyce started many programs for those who had a need, most notably the SJI Family Resource Center, and she spent countless hours supporting children and families of the Island. It was a true loss to the island community when she passed away early last year.

Dr. Carolyn Haugen, recipient of the first annual Joyce L. Sobel Achievement Award, presented the second annual award to Dr. Mariluz Villa.

Mariluz graduated from Stanford University’s School of Medicine with an M.D. in 1986. She dedicated her entire professional career to the fields of geriatric medicine and hospice care. For many years she has managed Hospice of San Juan and served as the medical director of Fire Station 37. Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae…

A new book club is starting up at the Mullis Center. If you would like to be there for the launch of the new club, the first meeting will be held in the Mullis Center library on Monday, July 29 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

There are plenty of good reasons to join a book club. First of all it gives you a good reason to sit down and read a good book. In our busy world filled with all kinds of enticing media clamoring for our attention it can be helpful to know that you will be able to enjoy discussing a book with other readers. The next good reason to join a book club is getting together with other readers. Reading the same book lets you explore the world you created in your mind through reading with others who have traveled the same mental landscape. Plus, a book club will introduce you to good books you may otherwise not have noticed.

Reading is good exercise for your brain. Stanford University researchers have found that pleasure reading increases blood flow to different areas of the brain and it is not just your brain that benefits. Researchers in the UK have found that by engaging in social groups we can retain a higher quality and longer life.

The initial book chosen for the book club, The Nightingale, by Kristen Hannah looks to be an excellent choice. Named Best Book of the Year for 2015 by Amazon, iTunes, and the Wall Street Journal, the story takes place in Nazi occupied France of 1939. The story is told through the characters, two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, their challenges and their choices and the French Resistance.

The club starts this month but feel free to join in at any time. In September the discussion will be on the book, The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery.  In October it will be on, Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng. Just read the book ahead of time and join the corresponding meeting. Check the Mullis Center Facebook page or call the center at 360.378.2677 for specifics on future dates. Happy reading!

Traditions and Transitions

Friday Harbor Laboratories Director Billie J. Swalla’s connection with FHL has spanned several decades. She moved to the University of Washington in 1999 as an Assistant Professor for the opportunity to work and teach at FHL. In 2012 she was Acting Director, then became Interim Director and was appointed FHL Director in 2014.

July 1, 2019 marks the end of her 6.5 years at the helm of Friday Harbor Labs.  This Tide Bite strays from our traditional format to be a thoughtful reflection by Billie on her time as Director, with a look toward the bright future of FHL.

Continue reading…

Darleen Nixon, a woman of many talents recently joined the board of the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA). She says of SJIMA, “I’m proud to be a part of our art museum which provides a beautiful venue for our local artists, as well as bringing world-renown artists to our residents, students and visitors.”    

Nixon has been a glass artist since 1998 specializing in lamp work and kiln formed glass. The natural beauty of the ocean and her serene woodland studio inspire her designs.

She has studied with leading glass artists and is a member of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers and the Glass Art Society. Her work is carried in several galleries throughout the US.

Locally, Nixon has invited the public into her workshop for the annual June Studio Tours on San Juan Island.

On the board, she can use her experience in marketing and finance from her work at The Whale Museum and the San Juan Island Community Foundation. Nixon is well acquainted with SJIMA as she worked there in marketing in the past and has participated in the SJIMA Artists’ Registry shows for several years.

Darleen got her BBA from Texas Christian University and her MBA from the University of Dallas.

Apparently no bomb was found – they’re loading for Anacortes. Here’s the official word from WSF:

M/V Elwha has been cleared to sail and normal operations will resume as soon as possible. Supplemental sailings will be added to help accommodate passengers going to Friday Harbor and returning to Anacortes.

By now you probably know there was a bomb threat this afternoon aboard the Elwha. All ferry service to and from Friday Harbor has been suspended until the ferry can be cleared.

The bomb squad (including two dogs) arrived and has just boarded the vessel at approximately 5:10 pm.

Updates will be posted as more information becomes available.

Zylstra Lake – Tim Dustrude photo

There’s a lot going on at the Land Bank’s Zylstra Lake Preserve this summer and beyond. This 285-acre preserve was acquired in 2017 with goals of providing public access to the land and water, supporting wildlife conservation, and enabling compatible farming activities.

Although not yet open to the public, the months ahead hold a number of opportunities to visit Zylstra Lake and get involved with planning.

The preserve is scheduled to be open for year-round, regular public access in May 2020. Until then, islanders can satisfy their curiosity at a number of summer events. Free guided walks of the preserve are scheduled for every Sunday in July. Group sizes will be small, so anyone interested is encouraged to sign up early to claim a spot.

On Sunday, July 21, The San Juan Preservation Trust is offering a guided “Forest Immersion” walk to its members. And for those who miss the July events, an all-day open house is scheduled for September 7, with Land Bank staff and other experts on hand to answer questions. These events are great opportunities to share your ideas for the preserve.

There’s even more happening behind the scenes. Biologists are currently inventorying birds, fish, wetlands, and other important features. Staff and consultants are assessing farm infrastructure, and developing plans for long-deferred dam repairs. These investigations will help answer questions critical to future management, such as: Continue Reading

On Tuesday July 2nd at 7:30 pm, SJCT presents the second film in this year’s Summer Film Series.

Cold War
Drama
Rated R (for significant sexual content)
89 Minutes
Polish, French, German, Russian, Italian and Croatian (with subtitles)

A passionate love story between a man and a woman who meet in the ruins of post-war Poland. With vastly different backgrounds and temperaments, they are fatefully mismatched and yet condemned to each other. Set against the background of the Cold War in 1950s Poland, Berlin, Yugoslavia and Paris, it’s the tale of a couple separated by politics, character flaws and unfortunate twists of fate – an impossible love story in impossible times.

This a beautiful film.  The story is interesting but the camera work, music and terrific work of its two main characters push it to the top of this year’s list.  It is reminiscent of Bogart films from the middle of the last century; done in black and white through a lens that adds a wispy overlay and a soundtrack that is unforgettable. Besides, when did you last see a film in Polish, French, German, Russian, Italian and Croatian? Not suitable for children. 

Please remember that no admission will be charged again this year but we do ask that you consider making a donation to the Theatre in appreciation for sponsoring these films.  Also note that $2 bottomless popcorn will be available, this year with a variety of exciting new toppings.

Eat Island Grown Launches New Blog Featuring the History and Stories of San Juan Islands Agriculture

Continue Reading

Dr. Michael Sullivan, EMS Medical Program Director (MPD) for San Juan County is resigning from his position as the county MPD effective July 31, 2019.  Dr. Sullivan is willing to continue providing service as a supervising physician (Medical Program Director Delegate) for Orcas and Lopez Islands. 

The MPD is appointed, certified (RCW 18.71.212), and contracted by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to perform the duties prescribed in WAC 246-976-920.  The DOH provides indemnity to MPD’s in this role (RCW 18.71.215 and RCW 18.71.220).  Because of this, the DOH leads the recruitment process and works with the local council to identify candidates.

The San Juan County EMS Council’s role is to assist the DOH in MPD recruitment activities, conduct interviews of candidates, coordinate with the local medical community (hospitals) to obtain a letter of support or recommendation for a final candidate and to provide a written recommendation for a final candidate from the local council.

The San Juan Island EMS Council is working closely with the Washington State Department of Health to recruit a qualified candidate to fill the upcoming vacancy and will keep the Hospital District and other interested parties informed of our progress.

• Lainey Volk
  Director of Outreach & Education
  Community Paramedicine
  San Juan Island EMS
• J Havner
  Chief
  Lopez Fire & EMS
• Helen Riggins
  EMS Chief
  Shaw Island Fire & EMS
• Scott Williams
  Chief
  Orcas Island Fire & Rescue
• Dwight Brown
  Clinical Leader
  Island Air Ambulance
• Brian Prince
  Outreach Coordinator
  Airlift Northwest

Thank You United Way of San Juan County

Friday Harbor Elementary School would like to extend a sincere THANK YOU to United Way of San Juan County for supporting our after school Reading Enrichment program. Thanks to their support, we provided additional reading instruction to eighteen students in second and third grades this past spring. Students participated in the program three days each week for four weeks.

Collaborating with our Title 1 staff, four para professionals planned and delivered reading instruction designed to meet the diverse needs of our learners. Ninety percent of the students participating raised their Reading scores from winter to spring.

During this time of state budget cuts to education, we are thankful for United Way stepping in to help give our students the opportunity to improve their reading skills.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane Ball, Principal

The Washington State Transportation Commission is looking for feedback on proposed ferry fare increases for the next two years that will take effect in October. You can learn more about the fare changes and provide comments via the Transportation Commission’s online open house

You can also submit feedback by emailing the transportation commission at [email protected]. Please put “Ferry Fares” in the subject line. The commission will hold its final hearing on the fare proposal at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Board Room, 1011 Western Ave., Suite 500, Seattle. 

San Juan Island School District announces New Elementary School Principal and New Special Services Director

Caspar van Haalen – Contributed photo

The new Friday Harbor Elementary School Principal is Caspar van Haalen, who will be moving to the island from the Tukwila School District where he served as an elementary interim principal. Previously, Mr.van Haalen was a principal in Forks, WA. He was selected after a rigorous process that included interviews, a demonstrated understanding of pedagogy, and a meet and greet with elementary school staff.

According to Mr. van Haalen, “My career in education spans two countries, multiple districts, and grade levels ranging from Preschool to 12th grade. My educational philosophy is based on student-centered, whole-child thinking, planning, and organizing. The principal opening at FHES was a rare opportunity I didn’t want to miss. My wife and I are honored to be here!” 

Becky Bell – Contributed photo

San Juan Island School District also welcomes back Becky Bell as our Special Services Director.  Becky worked for the San Juan Island School District from 2012 – 2017. Ms. Bell has recently been commuting to Orcas Island School District and according to Superintendent Kari McVeigh, “Becky has been missed in the district, and will now be able to continue her exemplary work with special needs students and their families a bit closer to home.”

Superintendent McVeigh expressed her appreciation for the attributes each of these new Administrators bring to the district, “We are looking forward to a dynamic and productive school year.  Welcome Becky and Caspar!”

A new tradition is starting this year: helping your neighbors in need while having fun celebrating on July 4^th.

It’s easy – Just bring along a non-perishable food item (such as peanut butter, soup, tuna fish, or canned veggies) for our Food Bank or a personal item (such as soap, shampoo, or a toothbrush and toothpaste) for the Family Resource Center.

Then keep an eye out during the parade for Elvis, the leader of a group of starry-eyed islanders who like to dress up like super stars, pushing charitable chariots (i.e. grocery carts) for collecting what you bring.

So please participate with a simple donation and be a community star!

A view toward Friday Harbor from Mount Grant – Tim Dustrude photo

The Land Bank would like to share some of the things we’ve been doing for the community recently.

At Mount Grant Preserve on San Juan there are now three trails open with more on the way! Instead of hiking up the road, two new trails (one multi-use, one pedestrian) now make their way through the forest creating a longer and less steep route up the mountain. On the west side, a trail now goes down to what we’ve been calling the Newt Pond, part of one the areas acquired at the end of 2017. We’re also allowing vehicular access on Wednesdays (April – October) as well as Sundays, 10am-7pm.

Zylstra Lake Preserve at the edge of San Juan Valley – Tim Dustrude photo

We continue our work to open Zylstra Lake Preserve to the public. We’re getting through our last round of ecological assessments including wildlife, wetlands, and water quality and will be working through our management plan early next year. We are going to have several guided walks during the summer and an open house on Saturday, September 7^th. Continue Reading