Bill & Rita Ament need your help. As so many of you know, they have served this community for over 30 years through teaching dance to 2 1/2 to 75 year olds, plus day camps for children, Zumba, and much more.

Bill is experiencing advanced lung cancer. He is currently recovering from radiation treatments while continuing to take immune boosting supplementation. The radiation may have zapped too much of Bill’s energy because it is quite a struggle right now, however, he could be on the verge of getting better so we are envisioning a celebration dance with Bill and Rita in the middle really kicking up their heels! Your prayers and good wishes do make a difference.

As is so common, between this event and previous health challenges, their income dropped & their savings have been exhausted. They are beautiful people who have contributed joy, love, compassion, and consciousness into the lives of so many over the years. Our goal is to raise $40,000 to help with Bill & Rita’s various medical costs, food, mortgage, etc. over the next year and I hope we collect well above that amount to give them a bit of a cushion. They will also be very grateful for any contribution of relief time, prepared meals, etc.

You know in your hearts that Bill & Rita bless you for who you are.

There is a GoFundMe account set up at this link for you to donate anything you can to help them.

Inspirational cards can be sent to PO Box 636 Friday Harbor WA, 98250

Children’s Festival 2018 Theme & Poster Contest

Mark your calendars, folks! San Juan Island’s 28th Annual Children’s Festival is happening Saturday, May 5th, 2018.

Island Rec needs your help to design the poster for this year’s Children’s Festival! Kids of all ages are invited to submit poster designs that incorporate this year’s festival theme:

Starry Starry Night

Artworks must be submitted on an official entry form which can be obtained at Island Rec’s office or at the Elementary School. Poster designs must be returned to Island Rec, 580 Guard Street, by 5:00 pm Wednesday March 26th to be considered by our contest judges.

In addition to the honor and title of “Official Poster Designer”, there will be 1 first prize and 3 runner up prizes given for the committee’s top choices in poster design. Enter for a chance to win!

Inquiries, volunteers, and activity ideas should be directed to Morgan Johnston, [email protected]. As always, the Children’s Festival will run from 10am-2pm at the Fairgrounds building. For more information, please call 378-4953 or visit www.islandrec.org

Skagit Valley College to begin Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Management

Skagit Valley College (SVC) received approval in February 2018 from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the College’s regional accrediting body, to offer and begin an Applied Management baccalaureate program in September 2018. SVC received approval in October 2017 from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC).

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management (BASAM) is a two-year, career-oriented degree designed for Professional/Technical students who have completed an associate’s degree (AAS-T, AAS or ATA). The 90-credit program combines upper level managerial and general education courses to furnish students with occupationally contextualized business skills and general knowledge typically necessary for advancement to managerial-level positions or to operate an entrepreneurial venture. Sample courses include Foundations of Applied Management, Operations Management, Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Marketing for Managers, Principles of Finance, Social Capital and Career Advancement and an Applied Management Internship. Continue Reading

Vote counting equipment testing March 14 at 11 am

In the upcoming April 24 Special Election, voters on Orcas Island will decide whether to approve a proposed hospital district. Also on the ballot will be the election of five hospital commissioners, who will take office only if the hospital district proposition passes. Voters on San Juan Island will vote on a San Juan Island School District levy.

A “Logic and Accuracy” test of ballot tabulating equipment used in San Juan County for the April 24, 2018, April Special Election is scheduled for March 14 at 11 a.m. The test works by tallying the results of a prepared set of ballots to see if the results match the votes cast. The test will take place in the Elections Office located at 55 Second Street, Suite A, in Friday Harbor.

The test is performed before every election to ensure that tabulation hardware and software equipment are compliant with Washington State rules and will accurately count the votes.

All interested members of the public are invited to observe.

Take the San Juan County Civic Campus Plan Community Survey!

Cormorant photo by Peter Cavanagh

Join Friends of the San Juans and birding experts on a special winter birds boat trip on Saturday, March 10 from 10 am – 2 pm. With just 8 people aboard, this tour will be intimate and informed and provide in-depth knowledge about seasonal wildlife in the San Juans.

Peter Cavanagh, NASA researcher, University of Washington professor, photographer, and bird expert will be joining us in addition to Sean O’Connell, a naturalist and life-long birder. The route is weather dependent, but we are hoping to visit Griffin Bay and the south end of Lopez. We may also travel to the shores of Spieden Island.

The boat will depart Spring Street Landing in Friday Harbor at 10 am. The fee is $100. Click here to register: www.sanjuans.org/upcoming-events

Peter’s photographs of Pacific Northwest birds will be on display starting March at the Seattle Aquarium. Learn more about Peter and the exhibit here: http://www.petercavanagh.us/seattle-aquarium-show-spring-2018/

Learn more about Captain Greg Hertel and his boat, The Bee: http://fridayharborcruises.com

Is every old building worth saving?

Brickworks before restoration – Contributed photo

Not always. However, by preserving some, we protect the visual fabric of our community’s character. By carefully rehabilitating buildings in a way that honors the original ubiquitous building style of their day, we preserve some of the architectural story that gives our community its authentic sense of place. With thoughtful new in-fill construction, we compliment the historic streetscape and welcome quality work that will become the historic land-mark of the future.

You can help
The Town of Friday Harbor’s Historic Preservation Review Board is made up of ordinary extraordinary people who volunteer their time to thoughtfully consider the past, the present, and the future of our town. They share their experience, research, and insight with property owners who are looking to fix up existing buildings or build new ones in the town’s historic overlay district.

We are currently looking for one person to fill a soon-to-be-vacant Historic Preservation Review Board position. It is open to anyone living on San Juan Island who is interested in local history, preservation, and community service. Applicable skills include personal, professional, volunteer or academic experience in preservation, appropriate building restoration, historic surveys and documentation, architecture, local history, community outreach, and other fields related to the built environment.

For more information about board duties and responsibilities, or to submit a resume, contact Sandy Strehlou, Historic Preservation Coordinator, Town of Friday Harbor, 360.622.2037 or [email protected].

Master Gardeners Native Plant Sale & Conservation District Expo

Pre-order your plants now! Orders are due March 12th.

Order early for best selection, as quantities are limited and often sell out before the sale date.

This year’s selections include 18 species of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and perennials like the ever-popular Red Flowering Currant and Blue Elderberry. Natives supply important food sources and shelter for birds, insects and mammals, enhance biodiversity, and require less water once established. This year’s selections include several drought-resistant choices. There will be more options available at the sale, including locally grown plants from Salish Seeds.

Full descriptions, cultural requirements, and the pre-order form are located here.

The San Juan Islands Conservation District is hosting an Expo of educational exhibits and vendors at the same time and location as the Native Plant Sale. And 4-H will be serving coffee and delicious baked goods!

Native Plant Sale
Presented by the Master Gardener Foundation of San Juan County in Cooperation with San Juan County Washington State University Extension.

EXPO
Presented by the San Juan Islands Conservation District, your partner in stewardship and conservation of natural resources in the San Juan Islands.  Continue Reading

League of Women Voters presents meeting on threats and opportunities of the Salish Sea ecosystem

The League of Women Voters of the San Juans will host an informative meeting on threats to the future of the Salish Sea and efforts to protect it at 12:30 p.m., Monday, March 12 at the San Juan Island Library in Friday Harbor. Lovel Pratt, Marine Protection Program director of Friends of the San Juans, will be the presenter. Learn about current issues in the marine waters surrounding San Juan County, including:

• Vessel traffic
• Net pens
• Impacts to the Southern resident killer whales
• Shoreline impacts to forage fish spawning beaches and native salmon habitat
• Pollution sources

For more information, like @LWVSanJuans on Facebook.

2018 Wolverines Varsity Basketball team – Contributed photo

Red Hot Wolverines Storm Spokane in State Championship Game Wednesday Night

The red-hot Friday Harbor High School Wolverines boys basketball put their 10-game winning streak on the line in the first round of the WIAA 2B first round matchup against the Timberwolves of Morton/Whitepass. FHHS head coach Rod Turnbull, has his Wolverine boys in Spokane for the second time in the past three seasons.

Coach Turnbull has his team peaking at the right time of the season but this first round matchup is loser-out and the Timberwolves are a 2015 State Champion and 2B Central District powerhouse.

“The Timberwolves’ third place finish in the 2B Central District is deceptive” says Friday Harbor Tiny Radio play-by-play announcer, Oly Archibald. “Three of MWP’s losses were to #2 Adna, by a total of 9 points,” he said. “Two of those three losses were by 1 and 2-points.”

Additionally, MWP has faced many of their toughest battles in their own backyard with a loss to conference foes #2 Kittitas/Thorpe (22-1) and splitting the season series against #8 Toledo. Continue Reading

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

Wendy Stephens – Peggy Sue McRae photo

Islanders will have a unique opportunity starting March 20; to take a six-week course at the Mullis Center designed to help people self-manage living with chronic disease.

The course, supported here by the Northwest Regional Council and San Juan County, was developed by Stanford University and is specifically designed to help people living with chronic diseases improve their quality of life.

The course is free of charge and will be facilitated by Wendy Stephens, San Juan County’s Senior Services Manager and Jami Mitchell, Senior Services Specialist from Orcas. Both Stephens and Mitchell have completed specialized training and are certified to teach the course, an evidence based program that focuses on problems common to people dealing with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, depression, COPD, obesity, back problems, or any other chronic condition. Studies have shown that participants “have significant, measurable improvements in their health and quality of life”. The course is also recommended for caregivers.

Stephens explained that participants “are empowered to deal with their own issues”, the focus “is on what we can do”. The course also helps participants learn to communicate more effectively with their own physicians.

The book Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions will be available on loan for the duration of the class beginning March 20 and continuing for 6 sessions through April 24. The 2-½ hour sessions on Tuesdays from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm will meet through lunchtime so participants may wish to bring a sack lunch.

Pre-register by calling Wendy Stephens directly at 360-370-7527 or email her at [email protected] and please feel free to call with questions. Class size will be limited.

Link to: Stanford Self-Management Resource Center

Tickets now on sale Come Celebrate the Oscars with the Friday Harbor Film Festival at Brickworks on Nichols Street in Friday Harbor, MARCH 3. (that’s this coming Saturday) Doors open at 5:00pm

FHFF will be celebrating the Oscars by screening Trailers of this year’s Top Contenders for Best Picture and Best Documentary. Everyone is encouraged to select his or her winning choice, for great prizes! The Documentary with the most votes will be selected for the 2018 FHFF. Festivities will begin with wine and an appetizers reception, allowing lots of time to preview the great silent auction items; local products, services, art and jewelry.

(see auction items below – click any image to enlarge).

[Show slideshow]

Continue reading for entertainment and menu selections.

Continue Reading

We’re Back! And want you to “Love your Lunch Today!”

Re-opening of San Juan Island Cheese, Thursday, March 1, 2018 Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 to 3, and closed Sunday and Monday.

We are very proud to announce that we have a new Chef at San Juan Island Cheese! Chef Bill brings 20+ years of professional experience and creativity to our kitchen and your table. He is passionate about good food and loves to share his passion with others.

After graduating from culinary school in San Francisco, Chef Bill Messick began his cooking career at Rover’s in Seattle. He has gained valuable experiences working as chef at various fine dining establishments such as La Tour in Vail, Colorado, and most recently, he has joined us after 6 years as Executive Chef at Coho Restaurant in Friday Harbor.

Originally from Utah, Chef Bill now calls beautiful San Juan Island home. “I am ready to come out of hibernation and start cooking!” From Bill’s kitchen to your table, we’re thrilled to have Bill on our team! Continue Reading

Cyrus Field and Son – Contributed photo

Local attorney Cyrus Field is presenting a free ‘Estate Planning Workshop’ on March 12 at 3:00 pm at the San Juan Island Library for people who want to learn more about creating or updating a will.

More than half of the people in the United States die without a will. If you do not have a will, you have no say in things that are important to you such as your family, friends and charities that you care about.  Without a comprehensive estate plan, a judge may decide who gets your money, home and other assets, rather than you!

But it’s not just about money, property and things.  If you do not have a comprehensive estate plan, the care for yourself, a dependent spouse, child, parent, or pet may be made without any input from you and may be contrary to your actual wishes. In addition, it may result in you or your loved ones incurring unnecessary headaches and legal fees.

An estate plan that meets your current needs helps to ensure that your wishes regarding what is important to you are honored. Workshop participants will learn about making and updating a will, trusts, gift and estate tax issues, naming beneficiaries for life insurance and retirement accounts and the tax advantages of designating charities in your estate plans. They will also learn about surrogate decision making. This event is sponsored by Friends of the San Juans. For more information, call (360) 378-2319.

In celebration of Read Across America and I Love to Read month, the San Juan Island Library is hosting their annual Dr. Seuss Birthday Party for children and families.

All are welcome to attend this free gathering at the San Juan Island Library on Thursday, March 1 from 3:15-4:15 PM.

There will be delicious cake, activities for kids, free book giveaways, and a reading with special guests from the San Juan Community Theatre. Call 360-378-2798 for more information or visit www.sjlib.org.

Get the Wiggles Out – Performing Arts Style!

San Juan Community Theatre is offering a workshop for little ones to learn more about the world of theater arts. Intro to Theatre for Wigglers is scheduled on Mondays in March from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the SJCT lobby.

SJCT Youth and Family Program Director Penelope Haskew and Chiara Power will lead the classes, where youngsters ages 3 to 5 years old will play games, learn about theater and audience etiquette, explore character through movement and imaginative play, tour the Theatre, and learn storytelling techniques.

Registration is $50 per student, with scholarships available. Register online at www.sjctheatre.org or at the box office. The SJCT box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more details on the workshop, contact Haskew at [email protected]