Miles Crossen writes to round up volunteers…

Miles Crossen – Tim Dustrude photo

I hope I didn’t wait too long to ask for volunteers to help out in setting up the Photography Display at this year’s San Juan County Fair.

I’ll be needing a dozen or more folks to help accept and display the hundreds of wonderful photographs being entered in this year’s competition on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. I’ll also need 6 -8 people willing and able to judge the photographs from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

The only drawback to being a judge is you probably shouldn’t be entering any pictures in the competition this year. Anyone interested in manning the booth for a few hours a day between Wednesday through Saturday to answer questions and accept “The People’s Choice” ballot entries would be nice too. Oh, and let’s not forget I could use some help on Sunday closing down the display too.

To volunteer, please mail me at [email protected]. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Miles Crossen
San Juan County Fair Photography Department Superintendent

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

Oscar Wilde once said, “In matters of grave importance, Style, not sincerity is the vital thing.”  My name is Andrew and I like to think I offer both style and sincerity.

I’m only about 8 months old, but everyone here at the animal shelter says I’m an “old soul”. I don’t really know what that means, but if it means that I enjoy playing with other dogs and exploring the contents of the kitchen trash, then I suppose they’re right!

I hope I can meet you soon. I think you’ll find me very sincere. And stylish.

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

First Friday Dance at the Mullis Center – Photo Peggy Sue McRae

On the first Friday of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 pm people of all ages and abilities gather at the Mullis Center for a fun evening of swing dancing. Instructor Bill Gincig, who comes over from Orcas, has a wealth of knowledge and experience in dance. He explained to me that “swing” encompasses; rhumba, cha-cha, waltz, tango (ballroom tango, not Argentine) and salsa but that it is “east coast swing” that is most popular with the First Friday crowd, not to be confused with west coast swing, jive, lindy hop, or boogie-woogie. If all of those names have you confused, Bill can fill you in and teach you the distinctions. Mostly, the favored style is danced to the big band sounds of the 1940s such as the Glenn Miller Band but some more contemporary tunes are be heard as well.

First Friday Dance – Photo Peggy Sue McRae

The sessions are loosely set up to teach those who need instruction during the first hour and then enjoy dancing the rest of the time. The Friday I attended folks were eager to hit the dance floor. One couple, new to the Island, had been dancing together for decades. Others came with no or little experience and received some basic instruction, just enough to get out on the dance floor and have a good time.

Dancing is of course good for you! Dancing reduces stress while increasing strength and balance. A study published in the journal Circulation found that people with stable chronic heart failure “may derive the same aerobic advantages from learning how to waltz as they would from more traditional forms of cardiovascular exercise, such as cycling or walking”. Another study in the New England Journal of Medicine determined that older adults who danced regularly significantly reduced the risk of developing dementia. It’s the fun factor though that seems to be the primary motivation for these First Friday dancers. As Pat Ball said, “It’s lots of fun!” then added… “and its good exercise”.

Just a few of the campsites at San Juan County Park on the westside – SJ Update staff photo

A message from Ashley King, Program Coordinator for San Juan County Park…

Ever dreamed of waking up with the sound of the ocean right outside your window? Do you enjoy working with others? Then we are looking for YOU!

San Juan County Parks is looking for a camp host with a small RV or trailer to be a presence in San Juan County Park for the summer season, located on the west side of San Juan Island. Duties include but are not limited to: Informational resource for park campers and day users, assisting SJC Park Staff, and monitoring. Park hosting experience and public relation skills are a plus. Position is currently open to fill. Please contact parks @ sanjuanco.com or 360-378-8420 for more information.

from Tanja at the Land Bank…

The Terrestrial Managers Group and the Madrona Institute received over 40 original artwork entries for their San Juan Islands Specialty License Plate Initiative Design Contest – Now it’s time to vote!

Cast a vote at the San Juan Island Farmers’ Market starting THIS Saturday, July 15. Entries will be on display on the plaza between the two front-doors at Brickworks. The winning design will be announced at the end of September and the winning artist will be awarded the 0001 plate for free!

The initiative encourages the public to help create and select a specialty license plate that will generate funds for the conservation and stewardship of natural, agricultural, historic and cultural resources in the San Juan Islands. The two groups will work with Senator Kevin Ranker to complete the steps needed to introduce a license plate bill to the legislature in January 2018, including obtaining 3,500 signatures of interested consumers.

Sample License – Contributed photo

John Geyman M.D. – Contributed Photo

Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library present John Geyman, M.D….

Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library are co-sponsoring, John Geyman, M.D. discussing the current health care crisis in our country on Wednesday, July 19, 7:00 PM at the Library. If you want a clear and succinct explanation of what ails our healthcare system, be sure to attend this timely author event.

Dr. Geyman will present non-partisan facts about the 3 options facing the United States: Revisions of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), two Republican proposals being debated in Congress (Trumpcare), and national health insurance under Medicare-For-All.

John Geyman’s two publications of 2017 will be available: Common Sense about Health Care Reform in America (28 pages), a synthesis of major issues today based on Thomas Paine’s approach in 1775: simple facts, plain arguments and common sense. His book: Crisis in U.S. Health Care: Corporate Power vs. the Common Good (375 pages) offers reflections on changes over the last 60 years, today’s realities, and the future of U.S. health care.

About the Author: John Geyman, M.D. is professor emeritus of family medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, where he served as Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine from 1976 to 1990. As a family physician with over 21 years I academic medicine, he also practiced in rural communities for 13 years. He was the founding editor of The Journal of Family Practice and the editor of The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. Since 1990 he has been involved with research and writing on health policy and health care reform.

Keith Busha and Susan Williams will be performing at the San Juan Golf Course on Tuesday the 18th as part of the series created by Kate Schuman. Says Keith, “This is the first mini concert that we’ve done in a while and are excited about putting it together.”

From the San Juan County Landbank…

Enjoy a special evening on Thursday, July 13 on the Westside with a lighthouse tour and a reading by local historian, Boyd C. Pratt, from his latest book LIME: Quarrying and Limemaking in the San Juan Islands!
 
History buffs of all ages are welcome and encouraged to visit the historic structures at the state park and the Land Bank preserve.
 
Lighthouse tours begin at 6:00pm. Reading and book signing at with Boyd begins at 7:00pm at restored lime kiln.
 
Park at the Lime Kiln Point State Park main lot – Discover Pass or parking fee required. Co-hosted by F.O.L.K.S. and the Land Bank.

Limekiln Park – Photo courtesy San Juan Land Bank

We are reminded that reservations for the San Juan Island Garden Club’s Mount Baker, DiabloLake, and North Cascade Institute overnight hosted excursion must be made by August 1. 

Mount Baker – Contributed Photo

The trip takes place September 22 – 24. “Join us for three days exploring the majestic Cascade Mountains, searching for wildflowers, taking quiet walks, and seeing the spectacular autumn colors. The cost of $450 includes transportation in a 15 passenger van from Friday Harbor with a professional driver, overnight accommodations, two nights at the North Cascades Institute on the shores of Diablo Lake, six meals, a naturalist guided walk, and ferry ticket.”

For more information contact: Marguerite Bennett – 360-378-8524 – posygal @ gmail.com, Vonnie Harold – 360-298-0859 – yharold99 @ gmail.com, and Kathie Forsyth – 360-378-8685.

Link to: San Juan Island Garden Club
Link to: North Cascades Institute

Unique Pink Floyd tribute band Pigs on the Wing will preform two distinct shows at San Juan Community Theatre on July 28, Wish You Were Here and 29, The Wall. Both shows start at 7:30 pm, all ages are welcome…

Pigs on the Wing – Contributed Photo

Friday Show July 28: Wish You Were Here: Close your eyes and imagine: The year is 1970 – something. The already legendary Pink Floyd is at the peak of their creative prime, having released “Dark Side of the Moon” – the album that redefined rock music for generations – and followed it up time and again with equally mesmerizing works and a legendary live experience. Now imagine that you have the chance to see Pink Floyd perform in an intimate theater or club venue. Based in Portland, Oregon, Pigs on the Wing has been delivering that spellbinding experience to audiences since 2006.

Pigs on the Wing bring an intense, high energy experience to the table that is both true to the original and unapologetic in its interpretation, something which the band members believe has set it apart from the other tributes from the very beginning. Forsaking a traditional approach to the tribute band concept, you’ll find no look-alike gimmickry or attempts at creating a faux audience experience. Instead, with Pigs on the Wing you’ll experience a group of seasoned veteran musicians steeped in the NW rock scene who share a common love of the music of Pink Floyd. Since its inception in 2006 as a one-off performance of Dark Side of the Moon, to the band’s current touring production which has included live renditions of the infamous Wizard of Oz sync, full performances of multiple Floyd albums including Animals, Wish you Were Here, and this year’s production of The Wall, Pigs on the Wing heavily emphasize the rock dynamics and psychedelic intensity of 1970s era Floyd. Continue Reading

Rande Cook – Contributed Photo

From the San Juan Islands Museum of Art…

Gentle Rebel Rande Cook is an innovating force in Pacific NW Coast First Nation art. Join the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) on Sunday, July 23 at 1:00 p.m. at Brickworks in Friday Harbor as he discusses his work and inspiration. Cook is guaranteed to surprise and delight the audience with his bold vision, insight and humor at “Breath of Life.”

Inspired by his family, mentors and the rich kwakwaka’wakw culture, Rande discusses his changing and personal interpretation of First Nation art.

This event is sponsored as part of the ongoing Art As A Voice educational series and in conjunction with the EMERGENCE Legendary & Emerging First Nation Artists exhibition at SJIMA. These exhibitions run through September 4 and are devoted to Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific NW Coast and Inuit from the Hudson Bay region.

Artwork by Rande Cook

Tickets are available at 540 Spring Street Thursday-Monday 11-6, online at www.sjima.org. As

space is available tickets will be sold at the door starting at 12:45 p.m. Tickets are $20, SJIMA members $18, and students $12

Sponsors for EMERGENCE Legendary & Emerging First Nation Artists are Dave & Nancy Honeywell Charitable Trust, Kim Miller, Susan and Gary Sterner, Peg Gerlock & Phil Johnson, Anonymous, Law Office of Stephanie Johnson O’Day, Mike’s Wine Bar & Cafe, Printonyx and Harbor Rental.

At the heart of the Salish Sea, SJIMA enriches the community, arts and artists as we champion the authenticity of our islands’ expression, place and connections.

Katie Mouse and the Perfect Wedding by Anne L. Watson

Anne L. Watson lets us know about her new children’s book, “Katie Mouse and the Perfect Wedding“.  Looks like fun!… 

Local author Anne L. Watson is no stranger to publishing. Her published books include nine literary novels, five soapmaking manuals, two cookie cookbooks, two housekeeping guides, and a guide to “living apart together.” 

With her latest, though, Anne has added children’s picture books to the mix, both as author and illustrator. And no one could be more surprised than she.

“Katie Mouse and the Perfect Wedding” is the story of a young mouse who saves her cousin’s wedding day with her cleverness and quick thinking. But what makes the book most special is the illustrations, which aren’t paintings or drawings at all. Instead, they’re photographs of felted animals and miniatures, Photoshopped together into an engaging fantasy world. 

It all came about almost by accident. Anne started collecting her mouse family and other felted animals while working on her housekeeping books, and just for fun, she started spicing up those books with little scenes and stories about her new friends. Soon, though, the little critters were demanding books of their own, and Anne was all too happy to oblige.

Now that they’re out of the box, so to speak, Anne has great plans for them. The wedding book will soon be followed by “Katie Mouse and the Christmas Door.” After that, Anne plans to illustrate two stories by her children’s author husband, Aaron Shepard, about Skeeter the cat. 

And then more Katie Mouse stories? Anne will have to consult the mouse family to find out!

“Katie Mouse and the Perfect Wedding” is available from online booksellers in both paperback and ebook. You can also order the paperback from any local bookseller.

A notice from the Town of Friday Harbor…

The Town’s Park Street Sewer & Water Main Replacement Project is nearly complete. Town has contracted with SJC Public Works to provide chipsealing services to restore the roadway surface next week. Important construction and road closure dates follow.

Construction schedule:

• Beginning Monday, July 17^th – SJCPW will mobilize equipment on Park Street in the morning. The crew will be grinding the existing pavement on Monday, Tuesday and possibly Wednesday.
• Beginning Wednesday, July 19^th – SJCPW will haul in and spread gravel, reshape the roadway, and then compact it on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
• Beginning Monday, July 24^th – SJCPW will begin chipsealing. The chipsealing process is expected to be done within the day.

Road Closures:

• Park Street – In order to do this work, Park Street will be closed to through traffic (local access only) from Monday, July 17^th through Friday, July 21^st, and then again on Monday, July 24^th. During these times all vehicles MUST be off the street.
• Marguerite Place – At times during work near the intersection, Marguerite Place in its entirety (from Spring Street to Guard Street) will be closed to through traffic. Crosstown traffic should detour to Blair Avenue. Local access will be granted up to, but not through, the Park Street/Marguerite Place intersection. Every effort will be made to quickly reopen Marguerite Place.

Merri Ann Simonson – Contributed photo

SAN JUAN   REAL ESTATE MARKET SUMMARY

The second quarter results which complete the first half of the year for San Juan Island were very exciting. Per the NWMLS, the dollar volume on San Juan Island was $71,595,607 with a total of 130 transactions. We enjoyed a 25% increase in transaction number and a 42.5% increase in dollar volume as compared to the same period in 2016. For San Juan County, the total dollar volume was $128,019,123 with a total of 254 transactions. The County’s gain was 19% in transaction number and 32.5% in dollar volume.

One very notable contributing factor to the increase in volume is the recovery of our market in the category of lots and acreage.   Land sales were the slowest to recover but this quarter reflects an improvement of 56% in the transaction number over the same period in 2016 for San Juan Island. The County’s land sale transaction number reflects a 23% improvement. I attribute this to buyers not being able to find an existing home suitable to them, due to low inventory levels. Total inventory on San Juan Island for all property types as of July 11, is 280 of which, 57 are pending which is a decrease of 21% from June 2016 levels.

It is very encouraging to have recovery in the land segment of our market. Land sales equate to busy architects, designers, permitting and land use consultants, general contractors, interior designers, landscape architects, and subcontractors, just to name a few. Continue Reading