Alchemy Art Center is introducing it’s brand new printmaking studio and photography darkroom with an open house on Sunday, January 27th, from 2:00-5:00 PM.

Alchemy Art Center, founded by Maria Michaelson and Eben Shay in 2017, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing specialized art equipment for San Juan Islanders in a shared studio setting.  Alchemy has offered a fully-equipped ceramics studio for almost two years, and their team is excited to incorporate print and photo into their programming.

Honored at the Grand Opening event will be legendary island artists Mary Ann Rock and Virginia (Ginger) Van Camp, whose printing presses were generously donated to Alchemy’s print department by their respective families.  Works by both artists will be on display (provided for the evening by Malcolm Suttles and the Van Camp Family), and the printing of an original Mary Ann Rock woodblock will inaugurate them in their new space.

In addition, interactive photography and darkroom activities will be presented by Malcolm Suttles and Danielle Dean, both of whom have been instrumental in organizing Alchemy’s new photo department. Continue Reading

Micaiah Sawyer – Contributed photo

Micaiah Sawyer is coming to SJCT on Saturday, February 9th at 7:30 pm. She hummed her first notes to the melody of Ode to Joy at sixteen months old, wrote her first song at 10, and hasn’t stopped making music since.

She has been recognized by and has worked with many prestigious musicians such as Grammy award winning bassist Garey Shelton and Drummer Ben Smith of Heart.

In 2009, Micaiah won the opportunity to record with drummer and producer Ken Mary, formerly of Alice Cooper. This was her first endeavor into the professional music industry, and it solidified her passion to pursue music as her career.

Shortly after, as a senior in high school, Micaiah received a full scholarship to attend Grammy Camp, a selective music intensive held in LA. Continue Reading

San Juan Island Fire Department Announces January 2019 Firefighters of the Month

L to R: Firefighter Jerry Sears, Fire Chief Norvin Collins, Firefighter Dennis Sears – Contributed photo

The San Juan Island Fire and Rescue Department is proud to announce the January 2019 Firefighter of the Month.

In this instance, we actually mean, Firefighters of the month. Please join us in congratulating Firefighters Jerry and Dennis Sears for their consistent and humble service to our community and the Fire Department.

There was considerable effort in picking which of the Sears was most deserving of the acknowledgement. However, since it is frequently difficult to tell them apart, whether they are in full firefighter gear or not, it was a tough selection.

Both of the Sears brothers are equally active in responding to emergency calls, training and their work on behalf of department in our community. As a result of their hard work, the Department selected both of the brothers for recognition.

The Fire Commissioners, Chief and all of the Department is grateful for all Jerry and Dennis Sears do and congratulate them for their service and dedication.

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The San Juan Island Fire & Rescue was established on October 6, 1958. The fire department covers about 55 square miles, includes all of San Juan Island, as well as Brown and Pearl Islands. For more information, please visit http://www.sjifire.org/

The San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) presents a visually arresting and powerful first-person history of pictures taken from the inside looking out- April 5 to June 3, 2019.

The exhibition showcases photographs, poems, and journal entries by twenty-five Vietnam veterans from around the US. Most of the material was previously kept hidden away, even from family and friends. Many veterans destroyed their photographs taken during the war in order to purge painful memories and close a visceral door to the past.

Some servicemen in Vietnam made pictures when they had time. Those lucky enough to afford both a camera and film used their tools with visual acuity, and in many cases, a high degree of skill.

The camera enabled them to create a parallel war experience where they had a modicum of control by choosing what to photograph – simple scenes evoking memories of home, gestures of lighthearted camaraderie, and the endless protocol and efficiency of war.

Taking pictures became a way to engage and remember local strangers. The camera also helped put the soldiers’ war experience into context, such as their understanding of the implications of an F-100 Super Sabre flying off into the dawn sky. Continue Reading

Interested in using native plants in your landscape?

There are many wonderful reasons to use PNW natives: they are often long lived and don’t need maintenance, they provide year-round color and garden interest, they can be used to stabilize hillsides and prevent erosion, and some are drought and heat tolerant, helpful in a warming climate. And they’re a “welcome mat” for wildlife, providing food and homes for beneficial insects, amphibians, birds and mammals.

This year’s selections include a dozen species of bare root evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and perennials like the ever-popular Red Flowering Currant and Mock Orange.

Order your plants now. Orders are due March 1st.

Order early for best selection, as quantities are limited and often sell out.

There will be many more plants available in containers at the sale, including a large selection of locally grown plants from Salish Seeds. Continue Reading

The San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 will hold its Regular Board Meeting of the year on Wednesday January 23.

There will be a work session that is open to the public at 2:00 p.m. followed by the Regular Board Meeting at 3:00 p.m.

The location is the Frank Wilson Memorial EMS Building.

San Juan Community Theatre has a job opening!

Development Officer Job Description

• Hourly, up to 20 hours/week 
• Washington State Mandated Benefits Only 
• Reports to: Executive Artistic Director

Under the direction of the San Juan Community Theatre’s (SJCT) Executive Artistic Director and working closely with the Board of Trustees (BOT) and the chair of its Development Committee, the Development Officer provides management in all aspects of the organization’s fundraising programs and activities.

See the full description at this link.

EDC invites San Juan County knowledge workers to informal meetup

The EDC is working to create a knowledge worker network for islanders who work with code, data, graphics or words. Knowledge worker jobs include computer programming, editing, web design, engineering/scientific consulting, and others that primarily involve creating, manipulating, or analyzing information. We hope this knowledge worker network will help local knowledge workers find off-island clients and local businesses find local talent.

The EDC invites knowledge workers and those who work with them to a meet-and-greet on February 6th at the San Juan Island library at 2:30 to 3:30 PM. Bring a snack or dessert to share.

This is a follow-up to the EDC’s well-attended meetups on San Juan Island on October 24th and Orcas on January 16th.

If you can’t make it, the EDC has also started an online group for San Juan County knowledge workers and other interested people. More information is available on the EDC website at  www.sanjuansedc.org/kwn. If you would like to join, contact us at [email protected].

The EDC thanks our funders for their support of this workshop and other EDC initiatives. These events are not affiliated with the Orcas Island Library or the San Juan Island Library.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) strives to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County. We believe a strong economy builds a strong community.

Island Rec is offering Adult Night Swim this February at SJI Fitness! Drop-in for some adult-only pool time to play games or swim laps in the evenings.

Sessions are held Thursdays; February 7th – February 28th for ages 18 and up from 7:30-9pm.

There is a registration rate of $35.00; or $10.00 per night. For more information or registration, visit www.islandrec.org; call 360-378-4953 or drop by the office at 580 Guard St. Monday – Friday 11am-5pm.

State’s New Report Shows Salmon Still Declining: Recovery Projects Funded at Only 16 Percent of Estimated Need

OLYMPIA–Despite two decades of efforts to recover them, wild salmon are still declining—and a report released today by the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office stresses that adequate funding is needed to turn the tide on the iconic species’ future.

In the past 10 years, regional recovery organizations received only a fraction—16 percent—of the $4.7 billion documented funding needed for critical salmon recovery projects, the report sites.

“We must all do our part to protect our state’s wild salmon,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “As we face a changing climate, growing population and other challenges, now is the time to double down on our efforts to restore salmon to levels that sustain them, our fishing industry and the communities that rely on them. Salmon are crucial to our future and to the survival of beloved orca whales.”

The newly released State of Salmon in Watersheds report and interactive Web site show Washington’s progress in trying to recover salmon and steelhead protected under the Endangered Species Act. The Web site also features the office’s updated Salmon Data Portal, which puts real-time salmon recovery data and maps at the fingertips of salmon recovery professionals and the public.

Some findings from the report include the following: Continue Reading

WA State determines San Juan County’s Shoreline Master Program is compliant with state law

On January 8, 2019, the State Growth Management Hearings Board found that San Juan County’s Shoreline Master Program including its shoreline management regulations comply with the State’s Shoreline Management Act. 

San Juan County adopted Ordinance 21 – 2018 that addressed areas of noncompliance in Case No. 17-2-0009. It may be viewed at this link.

The Washington State Department of Ecology concurred with the County’s adoption of Ordinance 21-2018 on October 10, 2018.  The effective date of Ordinance 21-2018 is October 24, 2018. Its regulations apply to all permits vested on, or after that date.  

The code reviser is in the process of updating the on-line code. Until this happens, please refer to Ordinance 21-2018 for updates to the following code sections: Continue Reading

Award presented to Vicky, left, by FH Kiwanis Vice President Elexis Fredy, right – Contributed photo

Long-time Island resident and past Friday Harbor Kiwanis President, Vicky Thalacker was recently selected Kiwanian of the Year by the FH Kiwanis Club.

Vicky was recognized for “her distinguished service for the past two years as Kiwanis President and for stepping into her current role as Key Club Coordinator, among many other contributions,” stated current FH Kiwanis President Doug Popham.

You May Be Eligible For A Connection With No Installation Fee!

Click to enlarge

OPALCO’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Rock Island Communications, announced this week that it will deliver fiber-optic Internet to approximately 35% of the Town of Friday Harbor with no installation fee.

“Dozens of businesses in Friday Harbor now have a chance to hook up to fiber,” said Foster Hildreth, General Manager of Rock Island and OPALCO. “We asked our Co-op members to help us grow our subsidiary by signing up for Rock Island’s internet services – and you really came through: almost 5,000 subscribers to date! Our system is built out to the point that we can guarantee long-term, high-speed internet services at great prices in the town of Friday Harbor and other village centers.”

After nearly four years of building its fiber network throughout the county, Rock Island is now offering to distribute fiber-optic internet services to a significant number of homes, apartment buildings and businesses in Friday Harbor with no installation cost, a fee that averages about $3,500 per parcel. Continue Reading

San Juan County partners with Ecology to monitor air quality

The Washington State Department of Ecology installed a mobile air quality monitoring station near the County Administration building on January 7th.  This air quality monitoring station will monitor for PM_2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns).  

Particulate matter contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can be inhaled deep into your lungs and cause health problems. Of these, particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, also known as fine particles or PM_2.5, pose the greatest risk to health.  Sources of particulate matter are emissions from vehicles, unpaved roads, wood burning fire places, industry emissions and wildfires.

The County does not have any permanent air quality monitors, and generally it is believed that due to weather patterns and data from nearby monitors that our air quality is healthy.  However, the County requested that a portable monitor be sited here to very these assumptions.  The monitor will be in the County through May 2019.  You can view the monitor in real time at the Department of Ecology Washington Air Monitoring Network website which shows all the air quality monitors across the State.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a classic comedy written by William Shakespeare. It portrays the events surrounding the marriage of Theseus, the Duke of Athens, to Hippolyta, the former queen of the Amazons.

These include the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of six amateur actors (the mechanicals) who are controlled and manipulated by the fairies who inhabit the forest in which most of the play is set.

The play is one of Shakespeare’s most popular works for the stage and is widely performed across the world.

Friday Harbor High School Drama Group’s version will bring some modern twists to this classic tale. Directed by Jenni Merritt. Don’t miss it!

Thursday* through Saturday, January 17-19 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, January 20 at 2:00 pm

Tickets:
*Thursday is “Pay What You Can”
Fri.-Sun.: $18 Adults, $10 Student Reserved,
$5 Student RUSH at door only

Buy Tickets Now

[Show slideshow]

Mediterranean Diet Pyramid – CCO Creative Commons

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

You’ve probably heard of the Mediterranean diet.  It has long been recognized that a typical, traditional lifestyle from the Mediterranean with a diet rich in olive oil, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, legumes, fish, and shellfish can contribute to a long and healthy life.

In the online course, Understanding Different Diets: Mediterranean, Baltic Sea, and Okinawa through Future Learn, lead educator, professor Luca Cocolin of the University of Turin notes that, “Correct nutrition and a balanced diet are not just a healthy choice but rather a proper philosophy and lifestyle”. It is about food but it’s not only about food.

Check out the bottom tier on the Mediterranean food pyramid. The entire pyramid rests on regular activity, adequate rest, and my favorite, conviviality. Sharing food with others socially is part of a happy, healthy lifestyle. The silhouettes on the diagram even look like a table at the Mullis Center during a senior lunch. Continue Reading