Sandy invites you to her event on Monday evening…

Bohemian /bōˈhēmēən/ (noun) A person who is interested in art, music, and/or literature, and lives in a very informal way, ignoring the usually accepted ways of behaving.

Cambridge English Dictionary

This coming Monday, May 6^th, at 7 pm, at the SJI Library, I will be giving a talk about Marjorie Walker the artist, the bohemian, the islander. She was an intriguing person, one who, along with so many other things, captured a snapshot in time of San Juan Island. Her story is one I have enjoyed researching and look forward to sharing on Monday. Please come if you are curious and the time is right.

Sandy Strehlou
TFH Historic Preservation Program &
Writing Our History Project

Friday Harbor Film Festival, Winter Series, Best of Fest is pleased to present “On Her Shoulders” Tuesday May 7th at the Grange at 7:00 pm.

This is a film about the extreme courage of one woman, Nadia Murad, now a Nobel Peace Prize Winner.

Nadia Murad, a 23-year-old Yazidi genocide and ISIS sexual slavery survivor, is determined to tell her story. As her journey leads down paths of advocacy and fame, she becomes the voice of her people and their best hope to spur the world to action.

On Her Shoulders is a compassionate, level-headed portrait of a remarkable woman. What it lacks in filmmaking fireworks, it makes up for in the sheer magnetism and moxie of its hero.

Come and see this important film at the Grange May, 7th at 7pm.

“The best education I have ever received was through travel.” – Lisa Ling, American journalist and TV host. National Travel and Tourism Week, May 5^th through the 11^th, is the annual salute to the positive effects of travel in the U.S. 2019’s theme of “Travel Matters,” The San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau is taking this opportunity to examine what travel means to San Juan County, today and in the future.

Regardless of age, when asked what adults would put on a bucket list of things they wish to accomplish, 88 percent of Americans placed traveling to new places at the very top, and most children (61%) say the best way to spend quality time with parents is on vacation.

Here in San Juan County approximately 2,300 jobs are directly related to the tourism industry.* Think back to your first job. Maybe you worked at Rosario or Roche Harbor Resort, or maybe your kids work there now. For many–one-third of Americans to be exact–travel is the front door to a promising career.

With tourism occupying such a significant percentage of the San Juan Islands economy, this is a golden opportunity to add sustainability to the mix of what attracts visitors from around the globe. A recent report from Booking.com shows that 87% of travelers want to travel sustainably. There’s no time like the present to evaluate our current standards. It’s also the perfect time to reflect and comment on what our vision is for tourism, while our county comprehensive plan is being updated. Continue Reading

The County Council is searching for San Juan County citizens to fill current and upcoming vacancies on various boards and commissions.

Additional information about each committee is available on the County’s website at: http://sanjuanco.com/641/Board-Committee-Vacancies.

Persons interested in serving on a board or advisory committee should fill out an Advisory Committee Application or Contact the Council Office at: (360) 378-2898 [email protected]

“Can looking at evolution help us predict the future of humanity?” – Jeff Bridges

Friday Harbor Film Festival invites you to a free screening of the award winning documentary, Living in the Future’s Past on Friday, May 3, 2019 at 7:00 pm at Brickworks.

Academy Award winner, Jeff Bridges shares the screen with scientists, profound thinkers and a dazzling array of Earth’s living creatures to revel eye-opening concepts about ourselves and our past, providing fresh insights into our subconscious motivations and their unintended consequences.

Living in the Future’s Past shows how no one can predict how major changes emerge from the spontaneous actions of the many. How energy takes many forms as it moves through and animates everything. How, as we come to understand our true connection to all there is, we will need to redefine our expectations, not as what we will lose, but what we might gain by preparing for something different.

“What kind of future would you like to see?”

Q&A discussion with Director Susan Kucera via Skype to follow screening.

Preceding the film, representatives of the Center for Whale Research will present a trailer for their new film, Dammed to Extinction, about the 4 obsolete dams that choke off thousands of miles of rivers in Washington state. Removing them saves money, salmon and Orcas.

~ Admission Is Free ~
~ Donations Are Gratefully Accepted ~

All Proceeds Go To the Center for Whale Research

Contact [email protected] to learn more about this event.

San Juan Community Theatre Summer Film Series – 2019 Edition

Fellow Islanders,

Good News!
The curtain is going up for the fourth season of the Tuesday Night Film Series at the Community Theatre. Beginning June 25th and for ten consecutive Tuesdays, we will screen a special movie beginning at 7:30 pm in the Whittier.  I hope you will join us.

This year’s selections include some of the best independent films released during the past year including award winners from international film festivals and Oscar nominees. The complete schedule will be sent soon but, for now just make sure your Tuesdays are free beginning June 25th. As in the past, we shall send an email each week with descriptions of the next two movies.  If you know someone who might enjoy attending, please ask them to email me at [email protected]. 

Even Better News!
There will again be no admission charge for this year’s films. Instead, we ask that you consider a donation to the Theatre or “pay what you can” when attending a showing.  It is our hope that this will encourage more people of all ages to join us so please spread the word.  Unlimited popcorn will still be only $2. Such a deal.

See you at the movies

Larry Soll
Film Series Coordinator
San Juan Community Theatre

Kim Grotle is the APS-FH Volunteer of the Month – Contributed photo

The animal protection society of Friday Harbor is happy to announce that Kim Grotle is the volunteer for the month of May.

Kim has been a loyal volunteer and spends her time at the animal shelter cuddling cats and assisting where needed.

Thanks so much, Kim, for making a difference in the lives of homeless animals. Your dedication and hard work is appreciated.

Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor
994 Cattle Point Road
(360) 378-2158

If you have ever wanted to be an elected official, now is your chance.  Candidate filing for positions open for election in 2019 is about to begin.

During filing week, candidates may submit their filings online, by email, by fax, or in person at the San Juan County Elections Office at 55 Second Street Ste. A, Friday Harbor. Online candidate filing will be available Monday, May 13 at 9 a.m. through Friday, May 17 at 4 p.m. In-person, emailed and faxed filings will be accepted Monday, May 13 at 8 a.m. through Friday, May 17 at 4:30 p.m.

Mail-in filings will be accepted no earlier than Monday, April 29 and will be processed on May 13. Mailed filings will be accepted if they are received at the Elections Office no later than Friday, May 17. If filing by mail, forms should be mailed to San Juan County Auditor, Elections Office, PO Box 638, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

Click here to continue reading (PDF)

WSU Extension, San Juan County is hiring an Agricultural Outreach Coordinator.

This position will provide oversight, leadership, curriculum development, applied research, education and outreach for the WSU Extension agriculture program in San Juan County. In addition, there is an expectation of strong collaboration with other program areas, including 4-H Youth Development and WSU Master Gardener programs.

The Coordinator will maintain strong working relationships with local producers as well as representatives of organizations working on agricultural issues in San Juan County. WSU is an EO/AA Educator and Employer.

To apply, please visit: https://www.wsujobs.com/postings/44605

Annual Presbyterian Church fundraiser rummage sale, Saturday,  May 11, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Everything is donation only, so make us an offer!

The Threat of a Large Oil Spill — At What Cost to San Juan County

What would a large oil spill cost all of us? How long would it affect our communities, property values, businesses, and way of life?

Our County’s Environmental Resources Division and the Marine Resources Committee together with specialty consultants have completed an Oil Spill Consequences Assessment that estimates the catastrophic economic and ecosystem services losses that we would endure in the event of a large oil spill.

It evaluates the extent of damages and range of potential costs from two hypothetical oil spills at the relatively high risk Turn Point location on Haro Strait: an oil tanker spill and cargo vessel fuel oil spill.

The assessment contributes to a cost-benefit business case for investment in additional spill prevention measures including an emergency response towing vessel in or near our County waters that could aid vessels in distress.

You are invited to learn more at a community presentation in Friday Harbor on Wednesday May 8, 2019:

11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the San Juan Island Grange – 152 First Street North, Friday Harbor.

You may also attend an online presentation via Webinar on Wednesday May 15, 2019, 12 PM – 1 PM. Register for the Webinar here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7664334216291779852

For more information and to download the reports please visit www.sjcmrc.org/projects/oil-spill-prevention/.

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

Seeking role models for positive aging led me to the British stage and four outstanding actors and great friends each who have been awarded the title of “Dame” by the British Empire for their service to drama. 

Dame Maggie Smith, known for her roles in television’s Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter films won an Oscar for her role in the 1969 film The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Dame Judi Dench got her start playing Shakespeare on the stage and won an Oscar in 1999 for the film Shakespeare in Love. Dame Eileen Atkins, actor and screenwriter, won awards for the 2005 film Gosford Park and television series Cranford. Finally, Dame Joan Plowright, at whose home they gathered, won acting awards for the 1992 film Enchanted April and the 2005 film Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont.

The four octogenarian thespians have been close friends since their early acting days, “From time to time four old friends, all extraordinary actresses, meet up in the English countryside to gossip, to remember and to laugh.” This time they met with a camera crew and were filmed in conversation for this insightful documentary punctuated with clips from their historic careers. Continue Reading

A week from Friday is the Third Annual family bike ride for all ages, coordinated by San Juan County Health and Community Services and Island Rec.

We have a trike/scooter route, a safe ‘first biker’ route, and an adventure route for those wanting a safe and easy open road ride.

The event is located at John O. Linde Community Park and is on Friday, May 10, from 2:00 -4:00pm. This is a FREE event. All Ages welcome, 6^th Grade and lower must be accompanied by an adult, 7^th grade and above, no adult required.  All kids under 18 must have a parent signed waiver to participate. 

A special thanks to our generous sponsors: PeaceHealth, San Juan Island Trails Committee, San Juan Island EMS, San Juan County Land Bank, and Meat Machine Cycles. You can register at Island Rec, 360-378-4953, or drop in the day of the ride.

Join us with your family and friends for this fun-filled family ride on May 10^th!

Washington State Ferries is excited to announce that in honor of Earth Day, they launched a two-year Sustainability Action Plan (PDF) that outlines goals and actions for greener ferries and terminals. It includes initiatives to protect orca whales, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, reduce waste, and other ways to make the ferry system more sustainable.

The plan also lays out a path to fulfill WSDOT’s commitment to sustainability, achieve the goals set out in Governor Inslee’s Executive Orders 18-01 (PDF) (energy efficiency) and 18-02 (PDF) (orca recovery), and implement sustainability recommendations outlined in the 2040 Long Range Plan.

Community and stakeholder engagement is an important aspect of the Sustainability Action Plan to identify potential new focus areas, goals and actions.

“Because we operate our 23 ferries on Puget Sound and manage 20 terminals on its shores, we have an obligation to ensure we’re doing everything we can to protect our environment. This plan lays out our commitment to tackle these issues and continue our efforts to make Washington’s ferry system the greenest in the world!”

Dancing around the maypole at Stillpoint School – Contributed photo

Stillpoint School shares this maypole image and wishes you a happy May Day!

Enjoy free admission to the San Juan Historical Museum on May 18. Pictured here is the atrium inside its Museum of History and Industry (MHI) collection of exhibits. The interactive topographical map orients visitors to historical sites around the island.

The American experience is composed of many local histories, common or unique. When we say “History Lives Here,” it is to bring attention to our community’s often somewhat hidden, or at least not broadly remembered, rich local history.

It is an effort to bring our history out of organization archives and personal collections to share it with our present day community. So in the spirit of sharing, May is the month when island organizations, in observance of History Lives Here Month, pack the calendar with free events like these (just a sampling).

• May 4/5 & 11/12 Salmon Bank programs at San Juan Island National Historical Park
• May 6 Marjorie Walker: Artist, Bohemian, Islander at San Juan Island Library
• May 17 Coast Salish Series: Swil Kanim at San Juan Island Library
• May 15 San Juan Historical Museum opens for the season (Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11-2)
• May 18 San Juan Historical Museum Open House
• May 19 Roche Harbor Pioneer Cemetery Guided Tour
• May 25 Friday Harbor Guided Walking Tour: Considering Post-War Architecture with Fresh Eyes
• May 25 Lime Kiln Point State Park Summer Season begins, with Lighthouse Tours weekly

For specific times and details of all History Lives Here events in May, check out the online calendars of the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau and The San Juan Island Library.