5 year old Own and his brother Montgomery on a recent damcation – Contributed photo

Owen loved a film seen at the FHFF- He is now a Dam Enthusiast…at 5 years old.
Beloved Friday Harbor Film Festival just got better. A story of success!

by Theresa Simendinger

John Hamilton, manager is too busy with two full restaurants during the FHFF to go to see the 2 films that Cask N Schooner and Tops’l sponsor. I told him later that one of the films they sponsored, Damnation was my favorite at the festival, about the civil disobedience that started the removal of the Elwha Dam. Curiosity got the better of John and he bought a copy of the film and watched it with his 5 year old son Owen Hamilton.

The big surprise was Owen loved the film and has demanded to watch it several times a week since. John’s son asked him a million questions. Owen loved the story of the dam being taken out and the fish returning. The Hamilton family just returned from, what wife, Althonsine, called their “Damcation”: 5 dam visits along the way. All because Owen has become a Dam enthusiast.

The FH Film Festival founders and their army of volunteers couldn’t be more pleased. This is what its all about, to educate, entertain and inspire the leaders of tomorrow. From all indications… its working. Our Young Filmmakers have gone on win prestigious awards, community works have arisen in the schools from ideas shared here and last but not least; if we as a community can inspire young people like— there is hope for tomorrow.

I thought we should check in on whats happening, now that the Elwha and Glines Dams have been removed. I called an island favorite: Lee Taylor who is now Deputy Superintendant at Olympic National Park. Taylor reported, “The NPS decided to take down the two dams as it was a great opportunity to restore the Elwha River, one of the great rivers of the Northwest.” Taylor said that high numbers of salmon have been spotted way upriver of the dam sites where salmon had not been seen for years. “Salmon are the lifeblood for humans and all living things” remarked Taylor.

This year Cask N Schooner is sponsoring Memory of Fish, about the salmon returning upriver past the old Elwha Dam site to spawn… guess who is excited to see it… Owen !

This is the last Know Your Island Walk for 2017 –  a little history with a walk on the Wild West Side.

Doug McCutchen will take us on the main trails through the west side with a focus on ecological and human history including lime mining, agriculture, tribes and first nations, Hawaiians, fish traps and commercial fishing, geology, and ecological history.

Total length is 2 miles. Rating: Moderate on gentle trails. After the formal walk anyone who is interested and physically able is invited to do a preview of the proposed trail route up the Reiss property. It would add about another mile and is steep, rocky with uneven terrain.

Dogs on leashes are welcome. Meet at the Lime Kiln State Park and car pool.

Saturday October 28 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

Submitted by the San Juan Island Unit of the American Red Cross.

If you respond to disasters in the news with the question “What can I do?” you might consider being a volunteer in the San Juan Island unit of the American Red Cross. The Red Cross will hold a Shelter Drill November 4th from 10:00 to 3:00 at the Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church. The public is invited to join in.

The goal for the day is to set up a typical small Shelter, a Safe Space with Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements and Hot Meals. Lunch will be served to demonstrate the feeding aspects of sheltering.

Volunteers will get hands on training experience to get a sense of what it is like to work in a Red Cross shelter if something drastic happens on our island. The site of this drill is one of 4 facilities on the island which have agreed to be used as a shelter in a local emergency. Supplies have been gathered and are ready for use.

The American Red Cross trains volunteers to respond to small and large disaster situations in basic areas of Sheltering, Logistics, and Casework.

The Red Cross meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6:00 – 7:00 pm in the 2nd floor meeting room of the old Friday Harbor Fire House. Contact 370-5915 for additional information. See www.redcross.org

Scott George retiring – SJ Update photo

Scott George is retiring after 24 years at the Friday Harbor Post Office, preceded by 10 years in the U.S. Air Force.

His last day at the Post Office will be next Thursday, October 26th and will be followed on Sunday October 29th at the Rumor Mill from 4:00 to 9:00.

Everyone is welcome to come in and say so long on Thursday and/or come join them at the Rumor Mill on Sunday. Scott has loved his time working the counter and getting to know everyone in town, he would love for you to come by.

2015 FHHS graduate Sophia Dillery – Contributed photo

FHHS Alum Does Good

You remember Sophia Dillery? FHHS graduate of 2015? She’s now attending Seattle University in her junior year in the nursing program going for a bachelor’s degree. She is also the Co-Alumni, Marketing, and Public Relations Coordinator for the Seattle U chapter of Camp Kesem.

Camp Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by over 4,000 college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent’s or guardian’s cancer journey.

Check out the TODAY Show video that talks a bit more about what Camp Kesem is all about:

This is the first year for a Camp Kesem chapter at Seattle U and they are running an online fundraiser at this link in case you’d like to help out by either donating or helping spread the word.

Way to go Sophia!

Contributed photo

From the Whale Museum…

For the first time this year, on October 15, the L54 blended family, consisting of Ino (L-54), Coho (L-108), Keta (L-117), and two adult males, Nyssa (L-84) and Wave Walker (L-88), came into the inland waters with J Pod.

They spent several hours in Haro Strait, foraging on Chum salmon. The late afternoon sun highlighted their exhalations,as they traveled in a south easterly direction.

The next day, J Pod and the L54 group were seen in Puget Sound, continuing their foraging on what appeared to be an abundant Chum salmon return.

Position: EDC Program Coordinator

Job Purpose: To coordinate the development, scheduling, marketing, implementation, delivery, and evaluation of EDC programs, with a focus on trades training programs.

Reports to: EDC Director

Description of Duties and Tasks: Essential duties and responsibilities include the following, and other duties may be assigned: Continue Reading

This is 1-1/2 half month’s worth of plastic waste from a family of 2 – Tim Dustrude photo

Continue Reading

This Sunday, October 22, at Brickworks from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, don’t miss “Eat Island Grown!”

This mouthwatering event celebrating the islands’ unique cuisine will feature the best tastes of the San Juan Islands, showcasing local chefs and the farmers that make this delicious food possible!

Using fresh, quality products from San Juan County farms, local chefs will prepare delicious samples for you to enjoy. Come for a bite or make a meal of it. Locally produced soft and alcoholic beverages will make it a full gourmet adventure. Fun-filled for all ages with live music, and live auction. Proceeds benefiting Island Grown in the San Juans and San Juan County farming initiatives.

Participating Restaurants: Continue Reading

Click to enlarge

Announcing October Fundraiser for the Animals

The Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor is thrilled to invite you to join us for the first ‘Howl’, a fundraiser for the shelter animals happening on Saturday, October 28, 2017.

The Swinomish Casino and Lodge in Anacortes will be the site of our fundraiser expected to attract Halloween and pet enthusiasts from the San Juan Islands and surrounding counties of Skagit, Island, Snohomish and Whatcom. The fun includes a gourmet dinner, no-host bar, costume contest with cash prizes, dancing to Vancouver Premier DJ, onstage games, raffles, silent auction and our guest emcee, actor Neal McDonough.

A portion of this fundraiser will also benefit S.P.O.T. (Saving Pets One at a Time), a sister rescue in the Burlington area, who shares our mission as a no-kill rescue for adoptable homeless pets in need.

Tickets are selling fast. We anticipate this event to be a huge success, being something totally different for our island fundraising. All net proceeds will benefit the APS-FH and S.P.O.T. shelters’ day-to-day operational expenses.

We appreciate your continued support and look forward to thanking you in person for joining us at one ‘Pawsitively Spooktacular Halloween Fundraiser’.

To learn more about ‘Howl’, or to purchase tickets, please visit our event page at www.apsfh.com, check out the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor Facebook page or call ‘The Howl’ team… Leslie Byron 378-2159 Jan Murphy 378-2158 or Julie Corey 378-7895. Continue Reading

San Juan County Council President Rick Hughes and Sheriff Ron Krebs spoke at the Coast Guard Auxiliary San Juan Islands Detachment Meeting – Contributed Photo

Chuck Dalldorf of the Coast Guard Auxiliary shares this news release…

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary San Juan Island Detachment Meeting Brings the Coast Guard and San Juan Islands Community Leaders Together for Increased Boating Safety

At a meeting of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s San Juan Island Detachment last week in Friday Harbor, San Juan Community leaders joined the U.S. Coast Guard celebrating efforts to keep our boating community safe and to collaborate on future safe boating initiatives.

San Juan County Council Chair Rick Hughes, San Juan County Sheriff Ron Krebs, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason Tessier, Commanding Officer-Station Bellingham, and Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11 Commander Pam Chelgren-Koterba spoke at the meeting of the Auxiliary’s San Juan Islands Detachment.

Hughes and Krebs both expressed their appreciation to Station Bellingham and the work of the San Juan Islands Detachment of the Auxiliary.

Hughes discussed San Juan County’s interest in improving boater amenities. The County has placed an emphasis on improving both recreational boating safety and marine safety for residents and visitors who enjoy the beautiful waters surrounding the San Juan Islands. Continue Reading

Mullis Center Operations Committee Plans Fun Events – Peggy Sue McRae photo

It is time once again to vote on board members for the Mullis Center Operations Committee. These are the people who partner with Senior Services, plan events and fun activities, keep the lights on, and keep the building busy and beautiful.

There are five positions open each for a three-year term. Ballots are included in the October San Juan Island Senior Signal newsletter or you can pick one up at the Mullis Center. Mail yours in or drop it off at the Mullis Center before the end of the month. Polls will close October 31 at 2 pm.

Four incumbents, Mary Michael, Bob Reilly, Sandi Ugrin, and Marion Wilkie, are running for another term. They have each already served one three-year term. There is also a position vacated by Janet Dann who is retiring from the board. Janet has served as a dedicated board member and officer and will be missed. There is a write-in option on the ballot for the fifth position. If this position remains vacant the Mullis Center will be looking for an interested community member to fill a temporary appointment until the next election. Interested people are invited to drop by.

Candidate statements…

Mary Michael

Mary Michael: has served on the Operations Committee for the past three years. Most of you will remember Mary from the Marketplace where she worked for over 17 years and before that, the San Juan County Bank for 15 years.

She enjoys volunteering on the Operations Committee, volunteering in the Senior Services Office two days a week and interacting with the Seniors. She hopes to continue working on the Operations Committee for at least another three years.

Marion Wilkie

Marion Wilkie:   I would like to take this opportunity to ask your support as I seek another term on the Operational Board. The experiences I’ve gained during the present term will be an asset as the board continues to pursue projects like the building of new classrooms and meeting areas at the Mullis Community Center. I truly enjoy the friendships and opportunities provided me through the Senior Center and in a small way my service on the board is a way to give something in return. I can assure you that my intentions to seek another term are grounded in the belief I can make a positive contribution to an organization I value greatly. Continue Reading

Griffin Bay Bookstore & The San Juan Island Library Present: Elwha: A River Reborn

Those of you who have followed the removal of the dam on the Elwha River or who have volunteered your time planting trees and helping to restore the surrounding ecosystem will surely want to attend a book talk by Seattle Times writer, Lynda Mapes on Wednesday, October 25, 7:00 pm at the San Juan Island Library. You’ll have the chance to hear about on-going restoration efforts, learn about the Elwha’s resurgence with new life, find out how the watershed is changing.

In Elwha: A River Reborn, Lynda Mapes has written a compelling exploration of one of the largest dam removal projects in the world – and the efforts to save a stunning Northwest ecosystem. Dam removal started in September 2011 and The Seattle Times, was on hand when a Montana contractor removed the first pieces from two concrete dams on the Elwha River which cuts through the Olympic range. It was the beginning of the largest dam removal project ever undertaken in North America (one dam was 200 feet tall) and the start of an unprecedented attempt to restore an entire ecosystem.

More than 70 miles of the Elwha and its tributaries course from the mountain headwaters to clamming beaches on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Through interviews, field work, archival and historical research, and photojournalism, The Seattle Times has explored and reported on the dam removal, the Elwha ecosystem, its industrialization, and now its renewal. Elwha: A River Reborn is based on these feature articles. Continue Reading

Ian Randall is October’s EMT of the Month – Contributed photo

Congratulations Ian Randall on becoming EMT of the month of October!

Ian is one of our newest EMTs having certified in the spring of this year. He works full time at The Village at the Harbor. Ian is a great sport, especially when it comes to the 3AM calls.

In between work and being a father of two young boys Ian likes to spend time riding his bicycle, making pizza and Lego creations with his toddler.

Thank you for your dedication Ian. We truly appreciate it.

News from Printonyx…

After 15 years as the “Voice of Printonyx,” Jonathan Reedy will be leaving us on October 18th to start a new career in banking. We’re sorry for the surprise notice …

We’d like to invite you to join us tomorrow for an “all-day drop in to say goodbye event.”
We’ll have a poster you can sign to wish him well and refreshments all day. While Jonathan will be staying in town, we hope you’ll use this opportunity to wish him a fond farewell.

Here’s a peek at our transition plans: We’ll be increasing the hours of current part-time employees, Grace and Kim, and rearranging duties to so that Kris and Jeff will be able to cover the front desk. We’ve also made arrangements for a local graphic designer to do off-site work to relieve our design workload. Temporarily, our Saturday hours will be discontinued. We’ll be using this opportunity to assess our needs and find just the right person to fill Jonathan’s important role.

If you have any questions, we’d appreciate an e-mail rather than in-person visits or phone calls during this busy time. We’ll respond as quickly as possible. You can also check out our Facebook page for updates.

We feel confident that while losing Jonathan is not going to be easy, we’ll continue to be the “helpful island communication center” that we’ve been for the last 23 years.

Sincerely, the Staff of Printonyx