It’s Summer and time for those who enjoy A Cappella singing to take a sea cruise on the inter-island ferry on this next Wednesday evening, August 2nd. Joining you will be San Juan Island’s own “Sound Vibrations,” the renown women’s chorus with a polished, fresh sound. Also aboard will be The Island Chordsmen Plus, a mixed gender chorus who have hosted the Barbershop Bonanza at the Community Theatre every June for the last 21 years.

The two choruses will informally take turns singing their favorite songs. And does it get any better than free entertainment? The ferry ride is free for foot-passengers, the music is free, and if anything is at all difficult about the evening, it is finding a parking place for your vehicle in town while you’re hoofing a ride on the route to Orcas, Shaw and Lopez islands. You’ll just stay on the boat and enjoy the scenery as the ferry ghosts past Canoe Island, Flat Point, Grindstone Harbor, and a bunch of other channels and coves. It’s a scenic, peaceful journey as the setting sun warms the shoreline in its golden glow.

We suggest you make a party of this adventure and bring a picnic dinner, for we leave Friday Harbor at 5:30pm (don’t be late or you’ll miss the boat!) and get back to Friday Harbor around 8:30pm with still over an hour of daylight for your drive home, where it’s a fair bet you’ll be saying something like: “That was fun, we’ll have to do it again next year!”

Invite your new neighbors, bring the kids, make a “date night” of this event, and maybe you’ll be inspired to join the Chordsmen Plus each Thursday evening at 7pm at the Village at the Harbour in Friday Harbor. We’re always looking for new Basses, Tenors, Baritones and Leads to join the fun…no audition necessary. Remember: enjoy the annual Ferry Sing next Wednesday evening, August 2nd at the Friday Harbor ferry terminal a bit before 5:30pm

Lifetime Achievement Award – Elouise Cobell

This is the third in a 3-part series on this year’s Friday Harbor Film Festival. See part 1 here; see part 2 here…

This year’s coveted Andrew V. McLaglen Lifetime Achievement Award is being presented posthumously to Elouise Cobell, a Blackfeet Tribal community leader and an advocate for Native American self-determination and financial independence.

The choice of Cobell as the award recipient reflects the broader mission of the Friday Harbor Film Festival — an event intended to shine light on stories and people who make a difference in our world. Because First Nations people in our country are still fighting for their land and their rights, it seemed appropriate for us to honor a woman who bravely took on our federal government with unrelenting spirit, ultimately prevailing in her landmark class action lawsuit against the government for its gross mismanagement of the mineral-rich lands that had been stolen from the Native peoples. The historical settlement of the case restored tribal homelands to her beloved Blackfeet Nation and to many other tribes.

Cobell’s compelling story is told in the film 100 Years: One Woman’s Fight for Justice, which is being screened during this year’s Festival. Melinda Jenko, the filmmaker, is here and will be accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Cobell and her family. Continue Reading

July 28, 2017 – A San Juan County citizen’s initiative concerning immigration has been approved to go to the November general election ballot. Initiative 2017-7 required 1,635 signatures (which represents 15% of the votes cast in the County in the last gubernatorial election) in order to advance to the voters. On July 5, the sponsor turned in 156 petition signature pages containing 2,668 signatures. On July 12, the petition was certified with 2,382 valid signatures. Upon certification, the Auditor is authorized to submit the measure to the voters at the next general election.

There is an alternative route to adoption. If it chooses, the County Council can unilaterally adopt the initiative into law. If they do so, the measure will not go to the voters in November. Council must adopt the initiative as presented, “without change or amendment.” If they make changes, both the original initiative and the amended initiative must go to the voters.

In order to consider its options, and to facilitate public discussion, the County Council has scheduled a public hearing on the initiative for Tuesday, August 15, at 9:15 am. The public hearing will take place in the Council Chambers at 55 Second Street in Friday Harbor. Continue Reading

Plastic is Forever – Dylan D’Haeze

This is the second in a 3-part series about this year’s Friday Harbor Film Festival. See part 1 here…

The Local Hero Award is presented each year to a present or former resident of the San Juan Islands who has made outstanding contributions to our quality of life, impacting people, animals, the arts, or the environment.

Thirteen-year-old Dylan D’Haeze, a resident of Orcas, reminds us that being a local hero does not have an age restriction. If you care about the planet and everything that lives within it, and have the courage to share this message with the world, powerful things can happen.

What began as a seemingly simple quest — to know more about plastic and its impact on the environment — has thrust this young and thoughtful first-time filmmaker into a leadership role. Dylan continues to ask poignant and important questions, but he is now going far beyond satisfying his own curiosity to actively encouraging others to take action.

Dylan’s documentary, Plastic is Forever, will be featured at this year’s Friday Harbor Film Festival. It contains a powerful message about the necessity of reducing our dependence on plastic. Since the film was released, Dylan has been sharing his message across the country at various film festivals, schools and environmentally-based community events. Continue Reading

Click to enlarge

The San Juan Summer Arts Festival is a celebration of the creative talents from all of San Juan County. Sponsored by the San Juan County Arts Council and our local business supporters, this summer’s event marks the second annual ongoing festival, to be found poppin’ off at the Brickworks Plaza in Downtown Friday Harbor, on San Juan Island, the four Fridays in August, from 4-10 PM.

Over 25 local art vendors, food from local chefs, beer from local breweries, spirits from San Juan Island Distillery, a hands-on Creation Station for the whole family, face painting, henna tattoos, and live music all night from local and visiting musicians! FREE to attend! Come visit beautiful San Juan Island and experience the incredible talents from our community!

Our musical headliner schedule is as follows:

• August 4th: SISTERS from Seattle (sisterstheband.com)
• August 11th: Savio Ferrel from San Juan Island (savio-farrel.bandcamp.com ) and the Low Hums from Seattle (lowhums.com)
• August 18th: The Good Husbands from Seattle (thegoodhusbandsmus.wixsite.com/website)
• August 25th: Polecat from Bellingham (polecatmusic.com/the-band)

Many more local acts will be opening up for these great talents!

Cindy Lonsinger, Julia Thompson, and Suzie Lefever – Photo by Peggy Sue McRae

Chances are you know someone who has Parkinson’s disease. If not, you may be familiar with the actor Michael J. Fox, perhaps the most well-known person with Parkinson’s, a progressive, degenerative neurological disease.

Suzie Lefever, MA, PT, ATC, of San Juan Physical Therapy says she is seeing more people with Parkinson’s all the time. About 1 million people in the US are affected. Last week at the Mullis Center, Lefever, together with Julia Thompson, MS, PT, and Cindy Lonsinger, PTA, CI, gave an informative presentation about Parkinson’s, what it is, its diagnosis and treatment and also launched a new support group for people with Parkinson’s and the people who care for them. The first support group met the last Monday. The next support group meeting will be on Monday, August 21, at 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm at the Mullis Center.

A take-away message from the presentation was that the sooner Parkinson’s is diagnosed and treated the more a higher quality of life can be maintained. What makes early diagnosis challenging is that there is no definitive lab test indicating the disease. Doctors make a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms and how those symptoms respond to medications. Early symptoms may include, loss of sense of smell, a tremor in a hand or foot, slower, smaller movements, and stiffness.

Carolyn Haugen briefly spoke of work being done with dogs to detect Parkinson’s through smell, a pilot project on San Juan Island. For more details on this innovative work please link to: PADs for Parkinson’s. Continue Reading

San Juan Community Theatre’s fall play will take us to the origins of a far-off place known as “Neverland.”  But first, the key island players must be cast.

Auditions for Rick Elice’s Peter and the Starcatcher are scheduled on Monday and Tuesday, August 7 and 8 at 6:30 p.m. at SJCT’s PARC Building (70 Saltspring Drive).

The Tony Award-winning, magical and hilarious adventure at last reveals the origins of Peter Pan, Wendy, the Lost Boys, and their pirate nemesis Captain Hook.  Director Joy Van Camp will be looking for several teens and adults, many playing multiple roles with some singing and dancing.  Characters include “Peter and the Orphans,” “Molly and the British Subjects,”
“Captain Hook and the Seafarers (Pirates),” and “The Natives (Magical Marine Animals).”

Perusal scripts ($10 deposit) and more audition information are available at the SJCT Box Office. 

Rehearsals begin September 4th, with performances set in the Gubelman Theatre for October 13-28.

Photo courtesy of Ginny on Flickr

The Friends of the San Juan Island Library’s summer book sale is Saturday, August 5th from 10am to 4pm at the San Juan Island Library.

Mammatus Clouds in South Dakota – Mary Kalbert photo

In the SJ Update Mailbag today, we have a photo from Mary Kalbert who was recently visiting friends in Spearfish, South Dakota when they saw these clouds from the upstairs balcony. How does this relate to Friday Harbor? Well, here it is in Mary’s words…

The connection, I think is how different our mild and generally stable weather showcases types of clouds and formations that are drastically different from clouds (mammatus and others) in the Midwest that are associated with extreme layers of instability in the atmosphere. This can result in violent and spectacular thunderstorms.

Yeah, I think I’ll stick with Friday Harbor’s weather. Thanks for sharing, Mary!

This is the first in a 3-part series of this year’s Friday Harbor Film Festival…

The Friday Harbor Film Festival is celebrating its 5th anniversary on November 3, 4, 5 2017. Lynn Danaher and Karen Palmer founded this important documentary film festival with a vision to share compelling documentary films that tell relevant stories that encourage viewers to be a force for positive change. We have selected over 35 films for this year’s event. Each will be screened twice in one of the 5 venues/theatres.

A very important aspect of the film festival is to celebrate the filmmakers themselves, their hard work and dedication to their film craft because they feel they have an important story to share. Every film allows time for the filmmaker to answer Q & A after screening their film. This generates a very insightful level of dialogue. Plus, insures both the filmmaker and the viewer a richer experience. To date, over 90% of the films screened each year had a filmmaker in attendance, from as far away as Europe and Australia.

The Opening Night Gala, Friday Night, is a big dressy party with food and drink. During the evening we announce the Lifetime Achievement winner. For 2017, it’s Eloise Cobell. The film 100 Years: One Woman’s Fight for Justice will screen at our opening night Gala. We present the award each year to a deserving individual whose nomination aligns with the mission of the FHFF; as it is not just a film festival, but it has a presence in the community to shine light on stories and people who make a difference. Barack Obama also awarded the Medal of Freedom to Eloise.  

The mission of the Friday Harbor Film festival simply stated: Continue Reading

Katerina Wen. M.Ed. Dipl.Hom. – Contributed photo

Katerina Wen will be teaching Master classes: Body & Mind, Head to Toe
Circular leaning and practical application

Consider your health as your most priceless asset. Designed for self-motivated individuals who would like to take charge of their health in the most sensible and economical ways, this series of seminars explains the intricate relationship between breath, movement, nutrition and a healthy immune system.

Sundays, August 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th from 9:00 to 11:00 am
Cost: Full Series: $100, Single session: $30
Drop-ins welcome
Questions: [email protected] or (206) 272-0609

Week 1:

• Practice
• Self Care
• Road map: What is health?
• Philosophical understanding and practical applications
• Belief, value, reality check
• Knowledge is power = personal choice

Week 2: Continue Reading

Just in time for next week’s World Breastfeeding Week, we have this story from guest columnist Jenny Silverstone of MomLovesBest.com…

World Breastfeeding Week 2017: Working Together for the Common Good

Every year, August 1 – 7 marks the celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, and San Juan County is proud to support and participate in this event.

The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2017 (www.worldbreastfeeding.org) is “working together for the common good.” San Juan County is an excellent example of how community resources and professional health organizations can work together collaboratively to promote, and support breastfeeding. Resources available to San Juan residents include newborn outreach programs, breastfeeding education, and lactation support counselors available by phone, private home visits, and clinic appointments. San Juan County Health & Community Services place this as a priority because the benefits extend beyond the health of the baby, to include maternal health and society as a whole.

For the 25th anniversary of World Breastfeeding Week, we’ve compiled the highlights of benefits derived from breastfeeding, for baby, mom and the community as a whole, courtesy of the infographic from Mom Loves Best.

The most obvious beneficiary of the decision to breastfeed is the newborn baby, especially during phases of growth. Children grow so quickly, and all that growth requires lots of nutrition to support it. Breast milk is an ideal source for baby to receive a tailored mix of fats, proteins, vitamins and antibodies – everything they need, and very little that they don’t need! The composition changes to meet their needs as they grow. Breast milk can even help their little bodies fight off infection, bacteria and prevent everything from the common cold to more serious diseases and health concerns. Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to give a growing baby the firm foundation for a healthy life, not just as children but also as adults later in life. Continue Reading

WSF M/V Chelan – SJ Update file photo

Good news from WSF…

Beginning Saturday, July 29, M/V Chelan will join the Anacortes/San Juan Islands/Sidney route as the international vessel. M/V Hyak, M/V Samish, M/V Elwha, and M/V Tillikum will serve the domestic sailings. This will restore the route to full capacity, and regular Summer 2017 schedule operations will resume. Those who wish to travel to the San Juan Islands or Sidney, BC on Saturday, July 29 and beyond may make vehicle reservations starting Thursday, July 27 at 7 am by visiting www.takeaferry.com or calling (206) 464-6400.

The 4-Boat Alternate Schedule will remain in place through Friday, July 28 and can be viewed at http://bit.ly/AnaSJsTempSchedule. New reservations remain unavailable for these dates. Customers with existing reservations will get priority on a first-come, first-served basis and stand-by customers will be loaded as space is available. Reservation holders are advised to arrive at least 60-90 minutes prior to any sailing they wish to take, and stand-by customers are advised to arrive at least 2 hours prior. Reservation holders who choose not to travel will not be charged a no-show fee and don’t need to cancel their reservation.

On Friday, July 28, there will be an additional unscheduled sailing from Anacortes to Orcas Island at 8:50 p.m.

WSF thanks you for your patience and understanding while we work to restore full service to these routes.

Portland’s Pigs on the Wing lands in Friday Harbor for TWO nights of an electric journey into the world of Pink Floyd.

The tribute band performs at San Juan Community Theatre on Friday and Saturday, July 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. Each night highlights different Floyd themes, with Friday’s concerts focusing on the Wish You Were Here album and a mixture of Floyd songs; while Saturday’s performance is all about The Wall—Roger Water’s rock opera that follows the madness, isolation, violence and slide into fascism of the fictional character “Pink”, complete with elaborate stagecraft and layered instrumentation.

Heavily emphasizing the rock dynamics and psychedelic power of 1970s Floyd, Pigs on the Wing brings an intense, high energy experience to the table that is both true to the original British band and unapologetic in its interpretation.

The tribute band formed in 2006 as a one-off performance of Dark Side of the Moon and has grown its tours to include live renditions that are authentic, accurately performed with a refreshing take on the music and experience of Pink Floyd.

Tickets are $24 each night; contact the SJCT Box Office for a discount for both nights. The Box Office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to   2 p.m. or tickets may be purchased on-line at www.sjctheatre.org

A Free Wednesday Afternoon Family Performance with Joe Black, Master Magician

Please join the San Juan Island Library for a free magic show. Joe has more than 20 years experience entertaining and amazing audiences. This is Joe’s first performance on San Juan Island. You don’t want to miss it!

The magic show is held outdoors on the grounds of the public elementary school. Please bring chairs and blankets for seating. For more information, visit www.sjlib.org or call 360-378-2798.

July 26 at 1:30 PM
Friday Harbor Elementary School Outdoor Pavilion

The Library’s Free Wednesday Afternoon Family Performances are sponsored by the San Juan Island Library with funding from the Friends of the San Juan Island Library.

Dylan Clifthorne – Ashley King photo

The San Juan County Fair is beginning to release its 2017 entertainment line-up! Music headliners are Kuinka (Formerly Rabbit Wilde), local favorites The Fabulous Rhythmatics, The Olson Bros Band (country rock from Olympia), and Seattle’s own ecstatic ensemble Industrial Revelation!

Families will be entertained from the likes of hypnotist, Justin James and circus jugglers, Wren & Della, + more roving surprises around the corner.

Expect the Fair-produced favorites such as: the unbelievable Trashion Fashion show, 3 days of the locals’ duel; Fair Feud, and the return of Silent Disco.

And many, many, more: country songstress Miller Campbell, ukulele inferno Dante Manalo, siren cellist Anja Claire, avant guardian angel Dylan Clifthorne, etc…

Stay tuned and check the fair website for rolling updates. www.sjcfair.org
About San Juan County Fair: Established in 1906 the fair is over 100 years old. One of the Puget Sound’s best kept secrets and one of the Northwest’s most traditionally authentic, and locally strange fairs. It is not to be missed!