April 28, 7 pm, San Juan Island Grange (152 First Street N, Friday Harbor)

Learn more about climate action policy at the local, state, and national level and how to get involved. 

Featured speaker, Gwen Hanson, MD, leads the Bellevue chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby, an international nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change, specifically to help enact a carbon fee and dividend. 

Sarah Severn (Islands Climate Resilience Program of the Madrona Institute) and Lovel Pratt (Friends of the San Juans) will speak about integrating climate change into San Juan County’s Comprehensive Plan update and Initiative 1631 (the statewide initiative for clean air and clean energy). 

For those that can’t make it to Friday Harbor, there will be a live feed here: https://tinyurl.com/ydch6wa9

This event is sponsored by the Madrona Institute and free and open to the public. Other partners include Friends of the San Juans and Citizens Climate Lobby. 

The San Juan Island Library and the San Juan Island Family Resource Center are hosting a free screening on Friday, April 20th at 7:00 PM, of the acclaimed documentary Screenagers. The documentary is an investigative look at how parents and teens are dealing with the digital age and how unlimited screen time impacts our nation’s youth.

The screening is free for the public. It is being shown in advance of Screen Free Week, April 30-May 6. See the film at the Library. Doors open at 6:45 PM. A brief discussion will follow the film. For more information, please contact Melina Lagios at the San Juan Island Library, 360-378-2798, or visit www.sjlib.org.

A fun Improvisational Quilting Workshop June 24 with noted author and instructor, Katie Pedersen extends the design and quilting skills of any quilter and designer. Katie is an outstanding and innovative instructor.

This class is part of the many activities around the exhibition Conversations With Gee’s Bend at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) opening Memorial Day weekend.

The class will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on June 24 at the Mullis Center, 589 Mullis in Friday Harbor.

The workshop has limited seating, so tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee is $75 or $65 for SJIMA members. You can sign up online at www.sjima.org or at the art museum when open. At this site you can also view the complete class description and supply list. Continue Reading

Natalie Meenan and Naomi Vliet – Contributed photo

Celebrating the 33rd season of making musical memories for all ages, Island Sinfonia will perform on San Juan Island on Sunday, April 29, at 3:00 at St. David’s Episcopal Church.

The orchestra performs a wide variety of music, ranging from classical favorites to tunes from musicals and operas. Violin, viola, cello, wind, and brass instruments are featured.

Musicians of all ages come from all islands, meeting weekly on Orcas for rehearsals. Public concerts are held on Shaw, Lopez, San Juan, and Orcas islands during the spring.

This year Island Sinfonia features two student musicians. Natalie Meenan, a violinist, is a junior at Friday Harbor High School, and Naomi Vliet, a violist, is a senior at Lopez High School. This is the first time they have played with Island Sinfonia, and both hope to continue to play music in college and beyond.

“We look forward to bringing new musicians into the Island Sinfonia family,” said Jim Shaffer-Bauck, conductor, also serving as timpanist. Concertmaster Noah Atchley agrees, “Sinfonia is a warm, welcoming group of people. It’s a fun way to meet new people and learn new music.”

The free concert is open to all visitors and members of the community. As one recent concert-goer shared with a performer:

The Island Sinfonia concert was a special addition to the islands. The talent and passion for the arts is very evident, and I was delighted to experience what the Sinfonia added to what I’d already experienced during our visit.

The 2018 San Juan County Fair is sure to be “Rockin'” this year! Each year the Fair hosts various acts from local to regional (Pacific Northwest) and this year is no exception, however, performance slots are filling up fast.

Have you ever wanted to perform at the Fair? Do you have a special talent? Hurry, get involved today and apply online!

2018 Fair Dates: August 15-18

Theme: “Rockin’ the Salish Sea”

Join San Juan Kayak Expeditions and paddle out to Turn Island Wildlife Refuge to clean up the beaches and trails. SJKE will provide double fiberglass kayaks, top of the line kayak gear, transportation to and from the launch site and beach instruction.

Earth Day – April 22, 2018 from 12:30 to 3:30pm

The trip starts and ends at San Juan Kayak Expeditions outdoor kiosk at 275 A Street. Paddlers must be 18 and older (ok for teens 16 and older accompanied by a parent) be of average height and weight. Kayaking experience is not necessary.

San Juan Kayak Expeditions, the island’s original sea kayak outfitter was established in 1980 and is owned and operated by Sally and Tim Thomsen.

Space is limited to 9 people so call Sally at 360.378.4436 or email her at [email protected] to reserve your space today.

Carolyn Haugen in the garden at PIMC with the Lantern – Contributed photo

PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center receives donation to cancer care garden

FRIDAY HARBOR, Washington, April 17, 2018 – A rare spring sunshine cast shadows in the PeaceHealth Peace Island Cancer Care Garden in late March illuminating a beautiful new addition to the space. Nestled near blossoming hellebores, the smooth granite Oki-gata lantern appeared to be in the spotlight as sunshine washed overhead from above.

The lantern, a new addition to the garden, was donated by Carolyn Haugen, Peace Island volunteer, in remembrance of her sister-in-law who passed away from cancer in October 2017. A conversation between friends led to the memorial donation which occurred in late March. “We felt the lantern could be a positive source of peace and comfort for patients undergoing infusion treatment,” says Carolyn. “The donation is meaningful not only to my sister-in law, but to our family.” Continue Reading

The Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA), a group of 32 whale watch and ecotourism business operators in Washington and British Columbia, announced today an update to its vessel operation guidelines with a focus on safe operation for both commercial and private vessels around whales.

These updated standards are the most comprehensive conservation framework in the world and they continue PWWA’s commitment to self-regulation to protect and support the growth of whale populations in the waters of the Salish Sea. Notably, PWWA has been implementing science-based best practices for over 20 years.

PWWA’s guidelines include: Continue Reading

Today was the grim exercise of what can happen when people drink and drive (or are texting while driving or under the influence of marijuana). At the high school, a full scale mock up of a car accident with multiple critical injuries, at least one fatality and a lot of messed up lives took place on the football field at 2:00 pm.

It was a multi-agency exercise with SJI EMS, SJI Fire/Rescue, SJC Sheriff and even Airlift Northwest landed a medevac chopper on the field.

Read more about “Every 15 Minutes” here and click below to see some photo highlights of the day’s exercise. All photos by Tim Dustrude for San Juan Update.

[Show slideshow]

(c) 4774344sean www.fotosearch.com Stock Photography

The following is a guest article written by Rebecca Evans, a Registered Nurse and Health Writer…

While there is still a great deal more not known about Parkinson’s than is known, one of the areas of research in which much progress is being made is that of exercise’s effects on Parkinson’s. While this was once merely anecdotal evidence, several studies have begun to put forth good data for the idea that exercise can help stall Parkinson’s advances.

In fact, neurologists’ number one treatment recommendation for Parkinson’s patients? Exercise.

While walking is one of the top recommendations, as are gentle exercise classes such as pool aerobics, cycling—and recumbent exercise bike cycling that can be fixed at certain speeds in particular—also have a great deal to justify their inclusion in a regular Parkinson’s exercise routine.

Parkinson’s and exercise Continue Reading

A San Juan Island School District community budget workshop was held by the Board of Directors on March 15, 2018 to review the district current budget status and to identify budget parameters for the upcoming year. Implications of the Educational Programs and Operations Levy (formerly the M&O levy) were also discussed. The goal for the workshop was a better community understanding of the district’s financial landscape.

To continue the conversation with the community, a second Community Budget Workshop will be held Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 5:00 pm at the Friday Harbor High School library. The discussion is open to the public and is expected to touch on budget implications of legislative changes to school funding, projected revenues and expenditures for the next three years, and short and long term challenges facing the district.

All are welcome to attend.

Friday Harbor Holistic Health has a new class they’d like to share with you…

We are very excited about this move, and this new beginning. It’s a wonderful location, unique in feeling, and full of creative energy. Beginners, all ages and body types are welcome.

Tai Chi is not one thing, it is many things: a fitness system, an expressive dance, an emotional release, a martial art, a moving meditation, a spiritual discipline, and a longevity practice. In Tai Chi you actually improve with time, even as your body ages. Tai Chi must, however, be taught with proper training from a masterful teacher. If so, you will acquire flexibility, stamina, strength, alertness, poise, courage, and equanimity.

Although the Tai Chi forms seem delicate and flowing, it is a misconception to believe that Tai Chi is suitable only for seniors. When practiced accurately, it can be challenging, aerobic, and invigorating. When practiced accurately, Tai Chi is a fitness system highly demanding on the physical level which also builds character and integrity. Our regular practitioners treasure this practice as they watch their bodies grow stronger, more supple, and more youthful. And the heart also grows lighter and more joyful!

You will gain: Continue Reading

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

Callie McKay – Peggy Sue McRae photo

On our last “Field Trip Friday” excursion to the mainland, (see San Juan Update 3/31/2018), I caught up with Callie McKay. She’s a busy woman and not an easy one to catch up with but the ferry ride to Anacortes gave us plenty of time for a relaxed conversation. Callie is the head cook at the Mullis Center, that is her official title, but she is also on the board as head of the maintenance committee and volunteers as a driver. Once a month on third Fridays she heads up a senior field trip. Outside of the Mullis Center she is also head bartender at the American Legion, PE teacher at Paideia School, costume designer for the middle school play, and a Mom of two daughters Tyla 21 and Dannelle 12.

Originally from Oklahoma, Callie graduated from Pittsburgh State University in Kansas with a degree in Recreation Management. Having gone through an Army ROCT program she then served in the US Army. She got her Masters degree and her introduction to the Pacific Northwest at Camp Kirby on Samish Island. Callie has lived on San Juan Island now for 17 years. She met her husband Daniel McKay here on the softball field. They were married in January of 2005.

Callie has been working at the Mullis Center for 12 years now. I asked her how she first got involved. It was through getting to know her regular customers at the Legion. Through keeping an eye on her elder friends she ended up coming to senior lunch at the Mullis Center and was soon enlisted as the assistant cook. The rest, as they say, is history. Luckily for the Mullis Center she is now one of the people who keeps things rolling. With a big smile and a big heart Callie McKay knows how to have fun!

Callie McKay – Peggy Sue McRae photo

Chris Teren of Teren Photography – Contributed photo

Teren Photography is the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce Featured Member of the Month…

Christopher Teren Photography and Computer Repair

Chris made San Juan Island his home over 20 years ago, and has spent much of that time developing a deep appreciation for the wondrous beauty of the area. His passions as a pilot, scuba diver, and drone operator have fostered his unique perspective of Island Life, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.

Chris’s artwork is available for sale on his website, www.terenphotography.com, and he is available for commercial photographic shoots, as well.

Another of Chris’s passions is empowering people with their technology. Let Chris help you build a better relationship between you and your computer, phone, or tablet. He can help you deploy WiFi throughout your home, business, or large property!  If technology is causing you stress, give Chris a call today! (360) 472-0879

Don’t Miss the Annual Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale!

Hundreds of organic vegetable starts and perennials, all lovingly grown and nurtured by San Juan County Master Gardeners, will be on sale at the Mullis Center, Saturday May 12th at 9am – just in time for Mother’s Day! Please arrive early as favorites sell out quickly.

The Master Gardeners choose vegetables they love. They love them because they grow well in our climate, often producing heavily and early; some are unique heirlooms, or serve a variety of uses, but all have exceptional flavor. As in previous years, there’s a large variety of wonderful tomatoes and peppers, including a new pepper with a fascinating history, the Fish Pepper.

The Fish Pepper is a pre-1870’s African-American heirloom, brought to the Chesapeake Bay region from the Caribbean, used in fish and shellfish cooking. It’s famous for its striped fruit and variegated foliage in addition to its flavor and heat. At first the fruits are white, moving through yellow, green, brown and finally red. The peppers can be used in any color form. When white, they were the secret ingredient African-American chefs used in fish stews and crab dishes, adding flavor and heat but not color. Grown in the Smithsonian Gardens, it’s an Arc of Taste heirloom, does well in containers, and has performed well in our Demonstration Garden. Other peppers range from sweet to hot, for frying, drying, salsas and salads. There are Jalapeno and Serrano for heat, Padrone and Jimmy Nardello for frying, and Anaheim, California Wonder and Corno di Toro’s for eating fresh, stuffing, grilling and roasting. Continue Reading

Cowboy is this week’s Pet of the Week – Contributed photo

Cowboy the Chow-Chow here, with an important public service announcement: Do not trust the staff at the animal shelter.

Two weeks ago, upon arriving here, I was under the impression that I had been welcomed to a lovely vacation spa. The food is delicious, the beds very comfortable and I get frequent massages and nature walks. Sounds good, right?

Don’t be fooled. Last week staff members here asked me if I wanted to go for a ride in the car. I was very excited about the offer, until I realized where we were going. I won’t go into detail here but suffice it to say I am now missing what used to be a very important part of my anatomy.

I no longer trust the staff here and would very much like to become a part of a family that has my best interests at heart. I’m a very nice guy and I love to cuddle. I even like other dogs! Do me a solid – get over here and adopt me! But first, call the veterinarian and ask if I can get my belongings back.

Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor
111 Shelter Road
(360) 378-2158