We hear from County Auditor F. Milene Henley…

The San Juan County Elections Office is opening a special three-day filing period for the Port of Orcas Port Commissioner #1 office.

Candidate filings can be made in person from 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26, until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 28. Online filings will be accepted from 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26, through 4 p.m. on Friday, July 28. Mailed filings must be received by Friday, July 28. If there is still a void in candidacy after the special three-day filing period, the office will not appear on the November 7, 2017, General Election ballot.

More information about filing for the office may be obtained by contacting the Elections Office by phone at (360) 378-3357, by email at elections @ sanjuanco . com, in person at 55 Second St, Friday Harbor, or by mail at PO Box 638, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. Information can also be found on the San Juan County Elections Office website at www.sanjuanco.com/elections.

THE ONLY OFFICE FOR WHICH FILINGS WILL BE ACCEPTED IS: Port of Orcas Port Commissioner #1

We hear from Ashley King at the San Juan County Fair headquarters that it is time to put your team together for Fair Feud!…

Do you have a fun group of five people that enjoys good-natured, friendly competition? Would you like to promote your business and have fun doing it? Want to get more involved in the 2017 San Juan County Fair? If so, let’s play the Feud!

This year at the San Juan County Fair, we are expanding our Fair Feud game show to a 3-day competition with a grand finale! The Fair is looking for teams of 5 to keep the game going throughout the Fair! Fair Feud follows the same format as the famous TV game show–its THAT fun! The games will take place Thursday and Friday at 4:00pm with the final game (the championship round!) Saturday afternoon at 3:15 pm between the winners of Thursday and Friday’s Feuds!

The entry fee is only $50 donation to the Fair for your team. The championship team will win a trophy, bragging rights for the year, and of course, the chance to be defending champs at next year’s Fair!

Call Kira Sable at 317-5021 or email  kirawak @ hotmail . com to snag a spot for your team!

San Juan Community Theatre’s Summer Variety Show starts this week on Thursday…

Take a few singers, musicians and tap dancers and add in a belly dancer, a unicyclist, and even more unique talents, and you’ve got an island recipe for a high-spirited cabaret-style variety event.

The first ever Sensational Summer Variety Show, a fundraiser for San Juan Community Theatre, takes place in the Whitter Theatre Thursday through Sunday, July 13-16. Plus! On Friday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m. and during intermission, a special “Goodie Gala” featuring wine and sweet and savory treats from Cakes by Felicitations will be held in the Gubelman Theatre and Steele Memorial Garden.

Directed by SJCT’s Julie Hanks and emceed by SJCT’s Bobby Ryan, the fast-paced show features a potpourri of island talents, including pianist David Bayley; tap dancers Floyd Bourne, Shannon Kelley, and Penelope Haskew; puppeteers Jan and Jim Zurcher; belly dancer Megan Vivenzio; singer/guitarist Bert Dayton; poetry/guitarist Mosa Baczewsla; island youth drummer Blake Budwill and unicyclist Kira Clark; and more …. “It’s no secret the islands are full of incredible talents—almost 30 years of our thriving Community Theatre sure proves that,” noted Hanks. “This lets all types of folks get involved in sharing and experiencing the uniqueness of our islanders.”

In addition, the audiences will be the first to hear an exciting announcement from the Executive/Artistic Director of the Theatre.

The variety show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Thursday is “Pay What You Can” at the door. Show tickets for Friday-Sunday are $16 for adults, $10 student reserved, and $5 student RUSH at the door. Admission to Friday’s “Goodie Gala” and that evening’s show is $40. 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.  

Link to: San Juan Community Theatre Box Office

The 2017 San Juan County Fair will be here before you know it! We hear from Jim Dunn that the Beer and Wine Booth is looking for volunteers…

Beer and Wine Booth – Contributed Photo

As Superintendent of the Beer and Wine Booth, I will need volunteers to help with registration of entries taken on Tuesday, August 15th between 8am and 6pm which will be immediately followed by judging.  A perfect time to bring in your entries and witness the judging!  The Wine will be judged again this year by Chris Primus and Stan “The Wine Man” from Kings.  The beer will be judged this year, by the Same six judges we had last year: Bob Williams and Mike Close of Friday Harbor Brewing Co., Max Gilbertson, Graham Black, Bob Jarman, Tom Satterlee.

During the Fair, which starts Wednesday, August 16 and ends Saturday, August 19 I need volunteers to work the booth in 3 hour shifts.  I am working on some demonstrations during the fair. And, one year, Stan the wine man recorded a weekly production of his Wine Blog, we’ll see what he comes up with this year.  I will also do a post-fair brew day at my house for anyone interested in the fundamentals of Homebrewing. I did that last year and it was fun.  

To volunteer link here: Beer and Wine Booth

To view the San Juan County Fair Premium Book/Exhibitor Guide link here: SJCFair Premium Book/Exhibitor Guide

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

Hello, Dahlinks. I am Indigo. Just because I am a Russian Blue cat does not necessarily mean I am a spy. However, I’ll admit, I do enjoy listening in on you, especially when I hear the sound of a can opening. That always gets my attention.

And, to be honest, I also like watching you. You do some strange things and I find you very entertaining. (I am aware that’s not a real bird on the end of that string, you know.)

You can rest assured I have no interest in your silly elections. For now, let’s just say I’ve got my eye on you. If you need to get information to me, I am at the animal shelter. Use the code word, “borscht”. Until then, my comrades.

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

Join Washington State Ferries for Orcas Island terminal grand opening

Just in time for the busy summer season, Orcas Island has a new ferry terminal building. The public is invited to celebrate the opening of the new Orcas Island ferry terminal on Tuesday, July 11, from 1 to 2 p.m.

Washington State Ferries Assistant Secretary Amy Scarton and San Juan County Council Chair Rick Hughes will speak during the ceremony, which includes tours of the new facility and refreshments.

“We’re excited for the opening of this new facility in partnership with San Juan County,” said WSF Director of Terminals Nicole McIntosh. “The new terminal will provide accessibility for Orcas Island community members for many years to come.”

The new terminal replaces the old waiting room and ticketing structure and adds a pedestrian pick-up and drop-off area. The new facility is located on the upper floor of the San Juan County building adjacent to the Orcas ferry dock. It is accessible at street level and includes a ticket counter, a self-serve ticketing kiosk, and improved ADA access to new restrooms.

The San Juan Island Library will offer a panel discussion presentation for people with an early diagnosis of dementia and for caregivers and family members of people with memory issues. Living Well With Dementia will take place Tuesday, July 18 in the San Juan Island Library meeting room at 2 pm. Panelists will address basic information about dementia and provide tips for safety, retaining cognitive abilities, and living an enjoyable life.

The panel will include presentations from Evan Perrollaz, the director of the Village at the Harbour and a nationally recognized trainer of caregivers who has more than 10 years of experience working with caregiving and assisted living, Mariluz Villa, a former geriatrician and current head of Hospice of San Juan, and Lainey Volk, a paramedic and educator with San Juan Emergency Medical Services

Memory Café events take place each third Tuesday of the month in the library meeting room, featuring slides shows, musical events, arts and literature, and activities that can be enjoyed by all. The library also has a diverse collection of materials about the research into how the brain and memory works, as well as information for caring for people with dementia. A bibliography of library materials is available.

Library cards are free of charge to islanders with proof of residency. In addition to its collections of materials to loan, the library also provides public access computers and WiFi. Library hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The League of Women Voters of the San Juans invites all islanders to a Voter Forum to be held at the Grange on Thursday, July 13 from 6-8 p.m. This is provided to meet and hear the seven candidates in the primary election for two San Juan Island School Board Director seats.

Running for the School Board Director 1 position are Heather Christensen, Neil Curtis, Ruth McKenna and Sarah Werling-Sandwith.

In the contest for the School Board Director 2 seat are Barbara Bevens, T.J. Heller and J. Alphonsine Haslet-Phillips.

Welcoming the public and leading the presentations and question and answer session will be the current LWV president, Clare Kelm and moderator, Steve Bowman. The forum is for the public and all are invited to the event.

The League of Women Voters, does not endorse candidates or political parties, but does encourage informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, influences public policy through education and advocacy and does take stands on issues after study and consensus.

For further information call Steve Bowman at 370-5814

At their meeting on Wednesday, June 28, the commissioners of the SJI Public Hospital District voted to give $5,000 to the SJI EMS Community Paramedicine Program and $5,000 to the SJI Prevention Coalition.

This money came from $50,000 which was returned to the district from Peace Island Medical Center to be used to provide medically related services that Peace Island doesn’t provide. $40,000 of that was voted at their previous meeting to support Planned Parenthood.

The EMS Community Paramedicine Program is a new concept that is gaining traction nationwide and is now coming to SJ County. (More info on this concept)

The SJI Prevention Coalition is a local non-profit organization with the mission of addressing substance abuse among adolescents.

Join Bill Liggett for a book signing and slide presentation of the Blue Glacier and nearby rainforest in the Washington wilderness, the setting and inspiration for his debut adventure novel, Watermelon Snow.

Bill spent the summer there as an 18-year-old and recently visited to do research for his book. Find out what it was like to live on a glacier for three months, and experience the beauty and majesty of this magical yet dangerous place, located in your own backyard.

Watermelon Snow tells the story of climate scientist Dr. Kate Landry and her students on the Blue Glacier. Dr. Landry makes a remarkable discovery, triggering a series of tragic events that threaten her life—and the lives of everyone around her.

Against the backdrop of global warming, the book blends adventure, mystery, science, and suspense in the tradition of Michael Crichton and Robin Cook.

• Date: Tuesday, July 18
• Time: 7:00 pm
• Place: Meeting room, SJI Library, 1010 Guard Street, Friday Harbor
• Cost: Free

This event is not sponsored by the San Juan Island Library.

Enjoy a special evening 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 with Boyd begins at 7:00pm.

Park at the Lime Kiln Point State Park main lot – Discover Pass or parking fee required.

This event is presented by San Juan County Land Bank and F.O.L.K.S. and is free to the public. For more information contact Erin Corra at 360-378-5154 or email [email protected].

Thursday, July 13, 2017
6:00pm to 9:00pm
Lime Kiln Point State Park & Limekiln Preserve

We continually seek to improve the services we offer to our community. As an example, we are making available 30″ tall residential markers with easy-to-read address numbers to assist Emergency Responders in locating addresses. Every home can now be identified with large reflective address numbers.

These guideposts are long lasting, easily maintained, and show up well at night. Posts should be placed at the driveway entrance a couple of yards from the road.

A $30.00 minimum donation is appreciated. Volunteers are available to install the posts if you desire assistance.

Guide posts can be obtained by appointment at 1079 Spring Street (Frank Wilson EMS building), or at the San Juan County Fair (EMS First Aid booth).

To schedule an appointment call 360-378-5152 extension 4. Ask for Karl.

Nancy Fusare, F.H. Grange #225 Program Director, has $550 in prize money for Eric – Contributed photo

Friday Harbor Granger, Eric Sable, won First Place at the Washington State Grange Talent Contest with his performance on Harmonica.

Washington State Grange held its 128th Grange Convention at Ocean Shores from June 28th to July 1st 2017.

Eric will represent the Washington State Grange at the National Grange Convention on November 10th, 2017 in Spokane.

Washington State Grange Lecturer Terry Abbott and Eric Sable with his 1st place plaque, trophy, and ribbon – Contributed photo

Ferry customers and anyone with an interest in Washington State Ferry fares are being asked to weigh in on a new fare proposal that would take effect starting this October.

The Washington State Transportation Commission has released its proposal to increase ferry fares over the next two years. The proposed increase must generate $381 million in operating revenue between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2019, as required in the recently passed two-year state transportation budget for Washington State Ferry operations.

Continue reading

Friday, Saturday and Sunday only at 8:15 pm on the Wold Road stage! Don’t miss this fabulous play at 1062 Wold Road. Breathe in the magic in our outdoor venue under the stars.

Take advantage of this glorious weather! (Forecast says wind dies down tonight and the weekend is sunny!)

Dress warmly and bring a blanket.

Audience comments:

• “Four of our guests, currently from CA but originally from Israel, saw your production this past weekend & praised it highly! Way to go!”
• “The play yesterday was absolutely fantastic! We were riveted the whole time. Honestly, this is one of your best.”
• “You grace us with such powerful messages each and every time you have a performance.”
• “Just wonderful! Thank you! And such brilliant and polished acting!”

It’s early summer and the Humble family is dealing with the loss of their patriarch – an unassuming science teacher with a penchant for bees. Set in an English garden, the play is full of gardening references, with hints of Hamlet and a bit of astrophysics thrown in. This lovely play will keep you laughing a lot and perhaps crying a little. The perfect play for early summer.

Tour
Next week we’re on tour to the gorgeous Lopez Island Vineyards on Friday and Saturday, then to outlying islands…

Head over to the San Juan County Fairgrounds TONIGHT (Friday, July 7th) to enjoy the last Drive-In Movie of the 2017 season (before the Fair event comes to life) Star Wars: The Force Awakens!

Popcorn and soda will be for sale when parking opens at 8:30pm. Hope to see you tonight!

May the Force be with you…