Posted September 9, 2018 at 6:20 am by Peggy Sue McRae
Pileated Woodpecker – Contributed photo
What types of woodpeckers might you see on the San Juan Islands?
How can you tell if they are living in your woodland?
Join Shona Aitken, Education Coordinator at Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehab Center to find out more about these fascinating birds and their important role in our local forests.
Refreshments are courtesy of the Friends of the Library.
Wednesday September 12 at 7:00 PM
San Juan Island Library, free.
Posted September 9, 2018 at 6:15 am by Peggy Sue McRae
Christening the Cable 1951, R.J. Wiseman, Paul J. Raver, Queen Joann Quinn and Queen’s Court Officials – OPALCO photo
OPALCO Announces two upcoming planned outages on Tuesday, September 25 at 12:30 am & Tuesday, October 23 at 12:30 am…
All of San Juan County will be affected by a series of two planned outages necessary for BPA to replace a section of one of the two main power lines that feeds the San Juan Islands from Fidalgo Island.
These maintenance outages will happen on overnight weekdays to minimize impact to OPALCO consumers.
The first outage will begin at 12:30 am in the wee hours of Tuesday, September 25th and is scheduled to last two hours. Power is expected to be restored by 2:30 am. This outage will allow the BPA crew to deconstruct a section of high-voltage line in need of replacement.
The second outage will begin at 12:30 am in the wee hours of Tuesday, October 23rd and is scheduled to last up to four hours. This outage will enable the BPA crew to rebuild the section of high-voltage line and the project will give OPALCO linemen the ability to open and close this mainland circuit to reroute power during some mainland outages. This work will give OPALCO more control of our mainland power supply and reduce the duration of future power outages. Continue Reading
Posted September 8, 2018 at 6:30 am by Peggy Sue McRae
From Brendan Cowan, Director, San Juan County Department of Emergency Management…
While emergency preparedness is a year round responsibility for all islanders, the San Juan County Council recently proclaimed September as “Preparedness Month” in San Juan County.
“This is an opportunity to remind everyone who spends time in the islands that many of the things we love most about being here also require us to be especially well prepared for our inevitable emergencies and natural disasters,” said County Council Member Rick Hughes.
The primary focus for emergency preparedness in the islands should be a two week supply of food and water (including for our pets), followed closely by a 30 day supply of essential medications, a way to cook and stay warm in an extended power outage, and talking through basic needs and response with families and neighbors.
The San Juan County/Town of Friday Harbor Department of Emergency Management has preparedness materials online at www.sanjuandem.net/prepare and are very willing to send staff to talk to neighborhoods, businesses, churches, or any group of islanders looking for some direction and help with preparing.
Emergency Management Director Brendan Cowan highlights that, “Being prepared isn’t complicated, and doesn’t need to be expensive or time consuming. We’ve tried to make it as simple as possible. The most important thing is to just get started. Doing nothing means that you’re counting on someone else to take care of you.” Continue Reading
Posted September 8, 2018 at 6:20 am by Peggy Sue McRae
From Jamie Mountford PIO SJIFD…
After over 35 years with the department, San Juan Island Fire Chief Brad Creesy is retiring at the end of October. The community is invited to an evening reception to meet the five finalists being considered for the position. This informal meet and greet opportunity will be Sunday, September 16 from 5-7 P.M. at the Friday Harbor Suites, 680 Spring Street.
The five candidates are:
Norvin Collins has been Fire Chief for the Sauvie Island Fire District, Portland, Oregon, since 2010. He served Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Tigard, Oregon, from 1994-2013, his last position there being Division Chief/Paramedic. Earlier in his career, he was also a volunteer firefighter/EMT for Lane Rural Fire District #1 in Oregon. Mr. Collins has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Administration from Eastern Oregon University, a master’s degree in Psychology from Capella University, and he is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.
Timothy Lemon has 38 years of fire service experience from three different fire departments in Washington. He has served as Fire Chief for Chelan County Fire Protection District 7 since 2009. Prior to that, he was Fire Chief for King County Fire Protection District 43 from 1995-2009, and he was Assistant Fire Chief of Operations/Training for Pierce County Fire Protection District 16. Mr. Lemon has also been a fire service instructor for the Washington State Fire Academy. He has done coursework in Fire Administration at Tacoma Community College, Pierce College, and Bellevue Community College.
Noel Monin has served the San Juan Island Fire Department for over 21 years, beginning as a volunteer firefighter, and progressing through the ranks from career firefighter, through Lieutenant and Captain, to his current position as Assistant Fire Chief. Earlier in his career, he was a Forestry Technician/seasonal wildland firefighter for the US Forest Service. Mr. Monin has been a member of the Friday Harbor Town Council since 2009. He has an associate degree in Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. Continue Reading
Posted September 8, 2018 at 6:15 am by Peggy Sue McRae
We hear from Lisa Nash Lawrence…
Please join me in saying YES for Homes Coalition of San Juan County in the next election!
I’m a lifelong Islander and I’ve seen dramatic change in affordable housing and house ownership in San Juan County, and it’s not for the better. Please consider your neighbors, the elderly, and children growing up here, their teachers, your health care providers, house cleaners, bankers and bakers, when you fill out your ballots this fall. We owe it to our community to help with the housing crisis in San Juan County. You can do that by voting YES!
Link to: Yes For Homes
Lisa Nash Lawrence
Posted September 7, 2018 at 12:27 pm by Peggy Sue McRae
Friday: The Archipelago Collective presents a program of chamber music curated by its members in the beautiful Brickworks space.
Mozart Duo KV 292 for Bassoon and Cello Brahms Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major. Alex Shapiro Introspect for String Quartet Tchaikovsky String Quartet No. 1 in D Major
Friday, Sept 7, 7:30 PM – 09:30 PM
$20 per ticket, free for students 18 and under.
Saturday: For Archipelago Collective‘s second concert of the weekend we feature directors Sophie Baird-Daniel and Dana Jackson playing back-to-back concertos.
Vivaldi Bassoon Concerto in E Minor
Boieldieu Harp Concerto
Ravel Sonata for Violin and Cello, selected movements
Mendelssohn Piano Trio No. 2 in C Minor​
Saturday, Sept 8, 7:30 PM – 09:30 PM
$20 per ticket, free for students 18 and under.
Sunday: For the first time ever, the Archipelago Collective will perform at the lovely San Juan Island Grange, and make its resident 9 foot grand piano sing.
Bach/Kurtag Selection for Piano Four Hand
“Alle Menschen müssen sterben”
“Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit”
“Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir”
“Allein Gott in de Hoh sei Ehr”
Barber Souvenirs for Piano Four Hands
Brahms Cello Sonata No. 2 in F Major, selected movements
Schumann Piano Quartet Op. 47
Sunday, Sept 9, 2:00 PM – $20
Posted September 7, 2018 at 11:32 am by Peggy Sue McRae
Harpist Sophie Baird-Daniel – Contributed photo
There will be a free harp recital today, Sept 7 at noon at the library featuring harpist Sophie Baird-Daniel joined by friends from the Archipelago Collective. The musicians will teach a bit about the music and their instruments saving time at the end for a Q&A.
On Saturday Sept 8 the whole family is invited to join harpist Sophie Baird-Daniel in a second free recital of the weekend at noon at Peace Health. This recital is underwritten by the American Harp Society and will include a whole new program of music and another fun learning opportunity.
Posted September 7, 2018 at 6:15 am by Peggy Sue McRae
Did you know that most of the otters we see around here are river otters? It is true. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) has adapted to our salt water environment. “River otters are semi-aquatic mustelids (the weasel family), and are traditionally thought to be freshwater animals. However, across both coasts of North America, river otters are expanding into coastal environments.” (excerpted from Tide Bites)
To learn more read: River Otters in a Land Without Rivers, by Brent B. Hughes, Postdoctoral Fellow. Published in the September issue of UW Friday Harbor Labs newsletter, Tide Bites.
River Otters in Marine Environment – L. Carswell photo courtesy UW Tidebite
Posted September 6, 2018 at 6:15 am by Peggy Sue McRae
There will be a reception Friday September, 7th 4-7 pm for artists Cathy Schoenberg, with floral oil paintings and Jo Moniz, with geometric encaustic paintings. Both artists share a richly hued color palate.
Cathy’s journey to her present work in oils takes very circuitous route. Patterning of dancing figures, female forms, and felines lead to brilliantly colored floral shapes belonging to many seemingly familiar flowers.
Jo’s architecturally-oriented encaustic paintings are meditations in quiet, seemingly simplified landscapes of doorways, archways and buildings. Color relationships and proportions are used as a reaction to creative urges to add color, texture, and emotion to geometric forms.
Please join Cathy and Jo on Saturday, September 8th from 11 am -1 pm at WaterWorks Gallery for an informal artist talk and walk thru the show.
Posted September 6, 2018 at 6:10 am by Peggy Sue McRae
From photographer John Miller, “Caught this young fellow (Eric) practicing on the ferry the other day.”
Eric Juggling – John Miller photo
Posted September 5, 2018 at 5:49 am by Tim Dustrude
Here’s the monthly History Column for September from San Juan Historical Society and Museum…
Island schools are back in full swing and we can’t help but look fondly upon school photos from long ago. There is a lot to see in these two photographs taken at No. 2 Schoolhouse over 100 years ago. We are most drawn to the circa 1900 image of students and their teachers. Who can help us identify them? Please leave a comment here or contact the San Juan Historical Society and Museum.
We know the three Fleming siblings (Clarence, front row left edge; May, front row in white dress; Ray, second row right edge) and the four Guard siblings (Gladys, front row left; Florence, front row right; Roy, second row center tallest boy; Harold next to him on the right). The remaining girl in the front row center position is Amelia Pfiffner. They are posed in front of the “old schoolhouse,” a squared log, rustic school built in the late 1870s and featured in the second photograph.
By 1889, school enrollment had grown quite a bit and a larger, more modern schoolhouse was built next to the log school. Classes were then split between the two buildings. Neither schoolhouse is standing today where they once were, close to the road’s corner with San Juan Valley Road. But you can see three other pioneer schoolhouses on the island: each one actively used for other forms of enrichment at Roche Harbor Resort and San Juan Vineyards.
Posted September 5, 2018 at 5:48 am by Tim Dustrude
Salish Sea Ballet announces open auditions for the 2018 Friday Harbor Nutcracker. Auditions will be held at the Salish Sea Ballet studio (689 Airport Center, Friday Harbor) on Sunday, September 9th. Auditions are open to everyone age 3 and up. No dance experience is necessary!
Audition Schedule:
Audition policies and registration information are available on our website: http://www.salishseaballet.com/friday-harbor-nutcracker/. Salish Sea Ballet’s Friday Harbor Nutcracker is an interactive family event featuring an excerpted version of the classic holiday ballet. Performances take place at Brickworks on December 15th and 16th. Tickets go on sale to the public in October. For more information, visit our website (http://salishseaballet.com) or call (360) 298-1720.
About Salish Sea Ballet
Salish Sea Ballet is the pre-professional ballet school of the San Juan Islands. Our studio is located at 689 Airport Center Road, Suite F in Friday Harbor. Our mission is to engage and inspire dancers of all ages while providing high quality technical and artistic instruction in classical and contemporary ballet for ages 3-adult.
Posted September 5, 2018 at 5:46 am by Tim Dustrude
This clinic is about taking the skills learned from our Essential Skills I Kayak Clinic and putting them into practice in open water. We’ll learn strategies for launching from a beach or dock, how to handle various tidal conditions, practice compass use and navigation, paddling techniques, group kayaking, how to tow and raft, and on-water self-rescue work!
You must have your own kayak and equipment for this clinic and it is recommended that you have taken the Essentials Skills Clinic I or other similar class. A wetsuit or dry suit are recommended. Please note this clinic does not offer certification. This program is for ages 16 and up and will take place at Jackson Beach on Saturday, September 29th from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. Early registration, which is until September 20th, is $56; the registration fee is $66 thereafter.
For more information and registration please visit our website, www.islandrec.org, call the office at 360-378-4953, or come in to our office M-F between 11am-5pm.
Posted September 5, 2018 at 5:45 am by Tim Dustrude
Griffin Bay Bookstore & The San Juan Island Library Present The Great Cactus War by Terry Domico
If you’ve read any of Terry Domico’s books or magazine articles, you know that he has a great knack for writing about natural history—describing landscapes, ecosystems, the flora and fauna that inhabit them. His book, Natural Areas of the San Juan Islands, continues to inform islanders and visitors about our distinctive ecosystems. On Friday, September 7, at 7:00 pm, Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library are hosting Terry at the Library for the launching of his latest foray into nature: The Great Cactus War.
The Great Cactus War is the culmination of more than seven years of research, and it is the true account of the greatest plant invasion in human history. . . a story published in book-form for the first time.
Imagine a sea of prickly-pear cactus up to thirty feet high that covers a region larger than Italy and is spreading at the alarming rate of more than one million acres a year. Thousands of people are being driven out of their homes and off the land. Roads and entire villages are being obliterated as the unstoppable growth advances across the landscape. Digging, burning, chopping, and poisoning the “green monster” is having little real effect on the front line. The government is desperate to find a solution – and even posts a reward worth millions of dollars – but all of its efforts are ending in failure. Continue Reading
Posted September 5, 2018 at 5:41 am by Tim Dustrude
Dear Editor:
This is a wonderful community – one that deserves a constant flow of gratitude. Today I’d like to say many thanks to United Way of San Juan County and everyone in the community who gives to United Way, both monetarily and by giving of their time! United Way has supported Hospice of San Juan reliably over the years, and is one of very few sources of “no strings attached” funding for our operational expenses.
We are a “virtual” business; we have no building to house our agency nor do we have employees that need to be paid since we are all-volunteer. However, we do have fixed operational costs such as voicemail, liability insurance, postage, photocopies, and storage and repair of medical equipment that we lend to the community. Without United Way’s unrestricted grant money, we simply could not function.
Hospice of San Juan (www.hospiceofsanjuan.org) is a primary support service of those providing in-home care to persons who are homebound or at the end of life, benefitting those who live on San Juan Island at no cost to existing systems. Founded in 1984 by a small group of dedicated island nurses and caregivers, we received non-profit status in 1985 and Federal 501(c)3 status in 1993.
We currently work both independently and alongside Medicare-funded hospice services that come from Skagit County. United Way of San Juan County’s support helps us deliver our entirely volunteer-operated programs of caregiver respite, medical equipment lending, grief support, Music & Memory program, and training and education of volunteers and community caregivers. Many many thanks to all of you who donate to United Way, and many thanks for your ongoing support of Hospice of San Juan!
Mariluz Villa
Main Operations Manager
Hospice of San Juan
Posted September 4, 2018 at 5:50 am by Tim Dustrude
Fellow Film Buffs,
Well, here we are in September and it is time for the Grand Finale of this year’s Film Series. I hope you have enjoyed them and plan to join us again next summer. Attendance this year was up 50%, but we can do even better. Please invite your friends to send me their email addresses so that they can receive these weekly updates, then ask them to join you when you see a film you think fits their interests.
After all, these showings – and for that matter, all the theatre’s events – are for us, the residents of this fantastic place. Finally, we do owe a special thanks to the theatre staff and volunteers who make our series possible. Let them know how much they are appreciated.
Now for this week’s very special story: Continue Reading