The Rainshadow Quilting Arts Guild shares news about their County Fair fundraising efforts.

A handmade quilt, made with love by neighbors and friends, is like a hug that can be given over and over. Rainshadow Quilting Arts Guild members create and provide approximately 75 quilts a year to children, veterans, cancer patients, and others. It is our joy to make quilts that help community members feel recognized, supported and comforted.

Physical costs of quilts are not inconsequential, and include fabrics, longarm quilting, a yearly skills building class and rental of the Mullis Center for monthly meetings. The many hours of work to create the quilts are freely given. The goal is to raise $3,000 towards operating expenses, much depleted over the past few years of COVID.

The first $1,000 in donations are eligible for matching funds if received by San Juan Island Community Foundation between Aug. 17-20, on the SJICF website, in person at the SJICF fair booth, by phone at 360-378-1001, or by mailing a check (dated Aug 17-20) to SJICF at P.O. Box 1352, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

The University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Marine Laboratories is looking for a Maintenance Tech to work a variable schedule, up to 20 hours per week. Learn more in the Island Jobs section of the San Juan Update.

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The County shares news about a survey running through the end of the month related to commercial composting in the islands.

San Juan County is exploring how to best implement commercial composting for residents and businesses in the Islands, and we need your help. The County’s Solid Waste Program has created a survey to gauge community interest in such a program. The survey is available online now through Tuesday, Aug. 30.

Commercial composting is the large-scale decomposition of organic waste such as food and yard waste. A commercial composting facility in San Juan County will collect organic waste from restaurants, grocery stores, other businesses, and individual residents. It is designed to handle large amounts of waste and creates compost that can be used at farms, nurseries, local municipalities, or at individual residences.

Commercial composting improves soil quality, reduces waste, and saves money. According to the EPA approximately 30 percent of landfill waste could be composted and turned into fertilizer that could be used to benefit the local community.

“We want to hear from all residents on San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, Shaw, and the outer islands to get input on their interest in participating in commercial composting and to help us ensure that an organics recycling program can be successful,” said Katie Fleming, Solid Waste Coordinator in San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship.

Representatives from the solid waste programs on Orcas, Lopez, and San Juan islands will be speaking about composting, waste disposal, recycling, and other reduction initiatives at a Talking Trash panel discussion at the San Juan County fair on Thursday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. in the Green Village. For more information, contact Katie Fleming at [email protected] or 360-762-5821.

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The San Juan Island School District shares great news about a prestigious award received by one of the teachers at Friday Harbor High School.

The U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board are pleased to announce that Sam Garson of Friday Harbor High School has received a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program award.

As a Fulbright recipient, Garson will share knowledge and foster meaningful connections across communities in the United States and abroad. Fulbrighters engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started abroad and laying the groundwork for forging future partnerships between institutions. Upon returning to their classrooms in the United States, they share their stories and often become active supporters of international exchange, inviting foreign scholars and educators to their school or campus and encouraging their colleagues and students to go abroad. As Fulbright alumni, their careers are enriched by joining a network of thousands of esteemed scholars, many of whom are leaders in their fields. Fulbright alumni include 60 Nobel Prize laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize recipients, and 40 who have served as a head of state or government.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program and is supported by the people of the United States and partner countries around the world.

The Fulbright Program is funded through an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the Program. For over 75 years, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 participants — chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential — with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.

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Island Haven shares news about their County Fair fundraising campaign.

Glo and Tallulah require medication for their Cushing’s Disease that amounts to $2,500 per year, and Bailey, Hans and Ruby need pain medication for their arthritis that costs $2,000 per year. Then there are vaccinations, preventative parasite medications, dental exams and filing (horses’ teeth continue to grow their entire lives), necessary radiographs, ultrasounds, blood tests and more. We are so fortunate to have amazing veterinarians like Harmony Veterinary, Cascadia Veterinary and Guardian Veterinary who are so skilled and who care about the welfare of our sanctuary animals.

Island Haven is raising money for this project as part of the San Juan Island Community Foundation’s 2022 County Fair Giving Campaign. Through this program, the first $1,000 in donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Community Foundation. Island Haven is also eligible for up to $2,500 in bonus grants awarded throughout the fair.

To be eligible for matching funds, donations to Island Haven’s medical fund must be made during the four days of the 2022 County Fair – Aug. 17–20. Donors can contribute in person at the SJICF fair booth, on the SJICF website, by phone to SJICF at 360-378-1001, or by mailing a check payable to SJICF (dated between Aug. 17–20) with Island Haven Animal Sanctuary in the memo line to P.O. Box 1352, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. The Community Foundation will grant the raised funds to Island Haven following the County Fair.

Established in 2015, Island Haven Animal Sanctuary’s mission is to provide lifetime care for equines and farm animals who, while still able to lead a quality life, are unable to find homes due to disabilities or chronic or age-related illnesses.

• The 2022 San Juan County Fair starts today at 11 a.m. It’s open until 9 p.m. tonight. Daily passes are $15 for adults; $10 for active military, seniors, and youth; and kids five and under get in free. You can purchase tickets at the gate or on the Fairgrounds website.
• There’s a lot of community talent on display in the main exhibition hall, including photography, fine art, crafts, writing, industrial arts, flowers, fruits and vegetables, baking, and food preservation.
• 4-H displays are set up in the Marie Boe Building, conveniently located between the exhibition hall, the food court, and the main arena.
• Main stage music performances today include Sum X 3 (3:45 p.m.), San Juan Island Allstar Band (5 p.m.), County Fair House Band (6:15 p.m.), Kate Dinsmore (7:45 p.m.), and Whalien (9 p.m.).
• On the community stage are two performances from Matt Henry (a bubble show around 11 a.m., a comedy juggling stunt show at 11:45 a.m.), 4-H performing arts (3 p.m.), and bingo (6:30 p.m.).
• On each day of the fair, San Juan County Council District 3 candidate Jane Fuller will be meeting with constituents from 1 to 2 p.m. at the voter registration booth.
• The San Juan Island Community Foundation’s 2022 County Fair Giving Campaign runs from today through Saturday. 30 nonprofits are raising funds for projects to sustain and enhance quality of life on San Juan Island. The first $1,000 in donations to each project will be matched dollar-for-dollar by SJICF. A $500 bonus grant will be awarded to the nonprofit receiving the highest total donation value today. You can donate online or at the SJICF booth in the main exhibition hall at the Fairgrounds.

Have something to share with the Island? Whether the news is big or small, let us know!

Summer is winding down and the San Juan County Fair comes along just in time to offer islanders a chance to show off their finest produce, baked or canned goods, quilts, baby pigs, and supercharged zucchinis.

Beyond that, thanks to the San Juan Island Community Foundation, Fair week also offers a variety of ways to raise funds for local programs. The Mullis Center is participating in this campaign to raise funds for the ever more crucial senior nutrition program, Meals on Wheels.

The Community Foundation will generously match the first $1,000 in donations raised by local programs. Plus, the Mullis Center will then be eligible for up to $2500 in bonus grants awarded throughout Fair week. Here is how the week breaks down.

• Wednesday, Aug. 17: A $500 bonus grant will go to the nonprofit receiving the highest total donation value.
• Thursday, Aug. 18: A $500 bonus grant will go to the nonprofit receiving the highest number of unique donations.
• Friday, Aug. 19: SJICF will post an obscure San Juan Island trivia question on Facebook. Anyone can email the answer to [email protected]. The correct answers given on this day will be entered in a drawing.
• Saturday, Aug. 20: The trivia drawing winner picks their favorite participating nonprofit to receive a $500 bonus grant.
• Monday, Aug. 22: All donors from throughout the Fair will be entered in the final drawing. The winner gets to choose which participating nonprofit will receive a $1,000 bonus grant.

You can donate in person at the SJI Community Foundation fair booth, on the SJICF website, by phone to the SJICF at 360-378-1001, or by mailing a check payable to the SJICF (dated between Aug 17-20) with Mullis Center Senior Nutrition in the memo line to the Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1352, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. The Community Foundation will grant the raised funds to the Mullis Center following the County Fair.

Have a great time at the fair! Enjoy the horses, T-shirts, and PTO Pie. Visit the baby lambs and the quilt barn but don’t forget now is the time to make your generous contributions double in value.

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The San Juan Islands Art Museum shares news about this week’s guest speaker.

The Life of My Choice: 21 Years in Kabul is the second event in the Ask Us About Afghanistan series at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art. Marnie Gustavson, a tireless activist for women and children in Afghanistan, will be presenting at SJIMA this Wednesday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. The event is free and no reservations are required.

Gustavson has been the Executive Director of PARSA, an NGO based in Kabul, building healthy Afghan communities for 16 years. Founded in 1996, PARSA is a private non-governmental organization working directly with the disadvantaged people of Afghanistan. PARSA supports communities as they make their own development solutions, focusing on promoting social change and a healthy and fair society for all people but especially women and children.

Understanding the importance of community partnership, three groundbreaking programs highlight their mission. With the Ministry of Education, PARSA has helped rebirth the 80-year-old Afghan Scouts program. With the Ministry of Social Affairs, the NGO provides the Healthy Afghan Child Program and is working to initiate change in the Afghan national orphanage system to ensure the most vulnerable children can have care in the post-conflict country. PARSA has also launched a marketing network for women entrepreneurs called Trade Afghan, which provides access to markets for small farmers and producers.

The talks in the Ask Us About Afghanistan series provide opportunities to learn about the culture of Afghanistan, Islam, and advocacy for women and children. They also enhance the experience and understanding of the photography exhibition Looking into Afghanistan by James Longley, on display at SJIMA until Sept. 12.

The Life of My Choice: 21 Years in Kabul is sponsored by RaVae Luckhart and Jack Rice, Rob Ray, and the Town of Friday Harbor. SJIMA is located at 540 Spring Street.

The SJI Women’s Fund shares news about their recent accomplishments and their upcoming membership drive.

The San Juan Island Women’s Fund is a pooled donor-advised fund managed by the San Juan Island Community Foundation. Together, the members are making a difference for local nonprofits by awarding grants to support critical projects that enrich our island community.

Since 2003, the Women’s Fund has granted $304,000 to local nonprofits in education, health and human services, visual and performing arts, and environment and animal welfare projects. In the last year, the Women’s Fund granted a total of $13,000 to the following projects:

• Youth mental health first aid training for Compass Health
• New dive program for the Whale Museum
• Website redesign for Wolf Hollow
• Exercise yard safety and hygiene project for the Animal Protection Society
• Financial assistance for the visiting dental van
• StoryWalk & aging mastery program for the SJI Library

At the San Juan County Fair, the Women’s Fund kicks off their summer membership drive. Their goal is to raise $7,500. The first $1,000 in memberships will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the SJICF.

To be eligible for matching funds from SJICF, contributions to the Women’s Fund must be made during the four days of the 2022 County Fair – Aug. 17–20. Contributions can be made:

• In person at the SJICF fair booth
• On the SJICF website
• By phone to SJICF at 360-378-1001
• By mailing a check payable to SJICF (dated between Aug. 17–20) with Women’s Fund in the memo line to P.O. Box 1352, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

The minimum contribution for voting membership is $100 per year.

For more information about the San Juan Island Women’s Fund, visit the Women’s Fund website or stop by the San Juan Island Community Foundation booth on Friday, Aug. 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. to speak to a Women’s Fund member.

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SJCT sends along an update about their current fundraising campaign.

San Juan Community Theatre is launching a campaign to raise $15,000 to resolve a major safety issue in its orchestra pit. The SJCT orchestra pit needs a safety net to protect musicians in the pit and performers, volunteers, and staff on the stage. Unfortunately, there have been multiple accidents, where people — and most recently a beloved dog — have fallen into the orchestra pit. A pit net will resolve this issue, providing a safe working space for all for years to come. 

The installation and net cost are substantial, however Community Arts Theatre Society has offered to fund up to half of the cost. SJCT is raising the remaining funds for this project as part of the San Juan Island Community Foundation’s 2022 County Fair Giving Campaign. Through this program, the first $1,000 in donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Community Foundation. SJCT is also eligible for up to $2,500 in bonus grants awarded throughout the fair. 

To be eligible for matching funds, donations to SJCT must be made during the four days of the 2022 County Fair – Aug. 17-20. Donors can contribute in person at the SJICF fair booth, on the SJICF website, by phone to SJICF at 360-378-1001, or by mailing a check payable to SJICF (dated between Aug. 17-20) with San Juan Community Theatre (SJCT) in the memo line to P.O. Box 1352, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. The Community Foundation will grant the raised funds to SJCT following the County Fair.

The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor shares a look at the adoptable animal of the week — Phillip, a two-year-old domestic shorthair.

An island boy, through and through, Phillip loves the outdoors. He grew up on Lopez, and although he and his brother did not get along, we find him to be quite a softy. He is quick to greet you with a hello and a little small talk. Get him comfortable and he will go on to tell you stories of growing up on a small island and welcomes you to share your own.

He loves scratches around his voluptuous cheeks where you will find old scars from his days being a bit of a ruffian. Phillip will tell you there is always more to the story than just a rough and tumble brotherly rivalry, but we will let him tell you for himself. If you’re looking for a sweet, adventurous boy with the gift of gab, Phillip is purrr-fect for you.

Learn more about Phillip here.

The organizers of the Summer Film Series at San Juan Community Theatre send along a preview of this week’s film. The showing starts at 7 p.m. Admission is pay-what-you-can. For this season only, fresh popcorn is available for free.

Hive

Drama (Albanian with English subtitles) — not rated
Run time: 1 hours, 25 minutes

Hive is the first film to win all three major prizes at the Sundance Film Festival and enjoys a 100% critics rating at Rotten Tomatoes. It is a searing drama based on the true story of Fahrije, who, like many of the other women in her patriarchal village, has lived with fading hope and burgeoning grief since her husband went missing during the war in Kosovo.

To provide for her struggling family, she pulls together the other widows in her community to launch a business selling a local food product — finding healing and solace in considering a future without their husbands — but their will to begin living independently is met with hostility. The men in the village condemn Fahrije’s efforts to empower herself and the women around her, starting a feud that threatens their newfound sovereignty and the financial future of Fahrije’s family. Against the backdrop of Eastern Europe’s civil unrest and lingering misogyny, Fahrije and the women of her village join in a struggle to find hope in the face of an uncertain future.

Hive is a pithy, devastating portrait of loss and our uphill journeys to freedom.

Lake Kennedy McCulloch in Friday Harbor is looking for an Office Administrator to work 32-40 hours per week. Learn more in the Island Jobs section of the San Juan Update.