Belle and Frank Mullis at the Barnacle – Photo McRae Mullis Family

By Peggy Sue McRae…

The smells of summer, Nootka roses, Ocean Spray, and seaweed often trigger memories for me of childhood summers spent at the beach in my grandparents cabin. Perched on a rocky point with water on three sides the cabin was affectionately named, “The Barnacle”. Decorated with garlands of fishing floats strung by my grandmother, Belle, the doors opening up into the kitchen were raised about a foot high so you had to step over the threshold to enter. This was to keep deer from wandering in.

Like his father George Mullis, my grandfather Frank Mullis was a carpenter. While he applied his skills to a wide variety of projects, the beach cabin was where he unleashed his sense of whimsy. Built with driftwood and salvage the cabin featured a door from an old ship, windows that opened up with carved wooden latches, and a large stone fireplace. He built a round-bottomed rowboat, made us stilts, and taught us how to use them. To our delight he whittled little sailboats out of beach bark using cedar for the masts and magazine pages for sails. We set our little boats adrift on the tide watching them until they got swamped by a big wave.

As a young man Granddad worked for a pile driving operation on the Olympic Peninsula. During that time he became acquainted with the native people. I can remember him singing in the native language. I don’t remember much else but one lesson did sink in. I was about seven years old when I learned how to row. My technique for coming into the beach was to pick up as much speed as I could to run the boat as far up the beach as possible. Granddad gently corrected this tactic teaching me, that as he learned from his native friends, “your canoe is your brother” and should be treated with great care. We sure were some lucky kids.

Ed. note – this post has been updated to correct the date of the showing of Abacus. It will show on July 18th, not on the 11th as previously posted…

Fellow Film Buffs,

Here are descriptions of the next two movies

The Red Turtle, Tuesday, July 4th at 7:30 pm
The Red Turtle Rated PG 80 minutes. Silent with an exceptional soundtrack.

We are trying something completely different for the 4th of July. The Red Turtle is a poignant, wordless tale of a man shipwrecked on a desert island. Small children often experience the world as simultaneously solid and fantastical and you will as well in this film. This gorgeously drawn movie by Japan’s famous Studio Ghibli is much more than a children’s film: it’s a meditation on the very meaning of existence, identity and love. A beautiful film that must be seen. So between dinner and fireworks, bring your friends and guests to the theatre for a special treat. For this night only, free popcorn for kids of all ages.

Abacus, (Correction) Tuesday July 18th at 7:30 pm Continue Reading

Island Rec’s Music on the Lawn Summer Concert Series kicks off the season on Wednesday.

Island Rec is very exciting to announce the 2017 Music on the Lawn Summer Concert Series. This long-standing concert series is on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:15, located at the San Juan Historical Museum, which is at 405 Price Street. It is a perfect time to grab a blanket or bring a chair and have a picnic. Get ready to get up and dance as well as this year we have exceptionally dancer-friendly groups of musicians lined up.

• July 5 – Army Brass Band and the Army Rock Band Patriots – this will be a battle of the bands where each group will be taking turns trying to outdo the other. This will be a very fun and lively show for all ages.
• July 12 – Tapwater – this very popular band hails from Portland and is a boisterous sextet with lots of vocals, drums, piano, saxophones, guitars and as much as the ferries will allow them to bring on board. This is a very danceable and strangely exotic band playing roots music.
• July 19 – Blues on Tap – this award-winning blues band from Seattle knows how to work their craft, and have visited the island many times to a very appreciative audience.
• July 26 – Uncle Funk and the Dope 6 – This upbeat Funk & Rock band is from Port Townsend and will jumpstart the deadest of batteries. Imagine Stevie Wonder, Little Feat, Prince, Elton John and whatever fun band you’ve heard and mash them up.
• August 2 – Jbots – this local rock band is as good as they come and impresses all audiences. Pop Rock & Roll at its best.
• August 9 – Uncle Otto – this dynamic local acoustic band with svelte harmonies sings the hits of the 70’s. Think, CSN&Y, The Band, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Dan Hicks, mixed with some reggae all rolled into one very big play list.

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

Hi! My name is Bobby. Yes, I actually do know where your blanket went. And… I believe you know where the dog treats are kept. Maybe we can make a deal?

I’m just a pup, but I’ve already learned a lot in six short months. Do you know that if you say “Jesus” backwards it sounds just like, “Sausage”? Try it! I’ll be at the animal shelter waiting to meet you. Don’t wait too long!

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

Gianna Moalli strikes a post in front of the old pie booth – Contributed photo

That’s the old booth above. Come see the new Mobile Pie Booth at the 4h of July Parade.

The Friday Harbor Elementary School’s beloved Pie Booth has been rebuilt! The idea for the original Pie Booth was created by FHES parents in the early 1990’s and has become the longest running fundraiser at the school.

Home baked fruit pies are donated and sold by the slice at our SJ County Fair. The Parent Teacher Organization asked for help to rebuild the Pie Booth and is immensely grateful to the Honeywell Charitable Fund for their donation of $5,000 and our local Community Foundation of San Juan Island and the Women’s Fund for their donation of $3,500. These generous islanders have helped secure an Island tradition for many more decades.

Come see us at the SJ County Fair in August and support your local elementary school students. San Juan Islanders LOVE pie!

The Board of FANS (Families and Neighbors Support Island Rec) is happy to announce a gift of $5,000 to Island Rec for summer programs. This contribution was made possible by the generous support of individuals and businesses on San Juan Island. The gift will again provide financial support to popular programs like Music on the Lawn, Movies in the Park, swimming lessons, Eddie and Friends dog park, and San Juan Island Trails. FANS supporters are proud of the variety and quality of experiences available for people all ages because of the San Juan Island Park and Recreation District.

FANS, a local non-profit, was created in 2011 to make sure children and families of all ages and financial circumstances can enjoy the island and their neighbors through Island Rec programs. FANS wants to thank the more than 40 businesses and 80 individuals who help make this happen by supporting FANS each year.

The FANS Club campaign continues throughout the year; donations may be made online at www.islandrecfans.org or via check to P.O. Box 875, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

You can find us selling cookies and ice cream bars Wednesday nights at Music on the Lawn (July 5 – Aug. 9) and handing out free popcorn on Friday nights at Movies in the Park (July 14 – Aug. 4).

We hope to see you out there!

Todd Nicholson – Contributed photo

The Port of Friday Harbor Commission and staff are pleased to welcome Todd Nicholson as the new Executive Director at the Port of Friday Harbor, beginning July 5. After evaluation of more than 35 applications from around the country, Todd was chosen as the most qualified candidate to lead the Port.

A native of the northwest, Todd graduated from Tillamook High School in Oregon. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., graduating with honors and earning a Bachelor’s of Science in civil engineering. He served in the infantry of the United States Army as a platoon leader, executive officer, and operations officer.

Upon returning home to the Northwest in 1991, Mr. Nicholson created and managed a land surveying and development company until joining the Bonneville Power Administration in 2009. At BPA he served as the acquisition surveying supervisor and the manager of the civil engineering department.

He is a passionate advocate for building effective community partnerships, economic development, and empowering talented staff. Todd is an avid sailor and fisherman in his free time. He and his son are excited about becoming active members of the vibrant Friday Harbor community. Continue Reading

Walk with the Friday Harbor Film Festival family in the Friday Harbor Fourth of July Parade. Celebrate the 4th of July and help promote the 5th Annual Film Festival, which is coming up this November 3-5, 2017.  

The parade theme is “America… All that We Share”, so be sure to wear something red, white and blue! The parade starts at 10:30 am. Plan to meet us up by M&W Auto Sales (725 Spring Street) at 10:00 am.

Please email  [email protected] or call 298-1939 to RSVP.

Tina Keane with her kids and restaurant crew Tabatha and Jacob

Tia’s Tacos is back! But it’s now Tina’s Tacos. Same location on Blair Avenue, but with new owners Tina and Grant Keane.

You may know Tina from the Lime Kiln Cafe at Roche where she was manager from 2007 to 2014. Grant is a driver at Aeronautical Services and was also a manager at Roche Harbor’s Madrona Kitchen before that. Jacob and Tabatha are FHHS graduates from 2012 and 2014 respectively.

They just had a soft opening last week and are now open Tuesdays thru Saturdays from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. These hours and days may change as the summer busy season progresses.

Currently the menu is the same as what it was before but they may have some changes or additions in the future.

Find them on Facebook at this link.

Welcome Home – Bob Stavers photo

Bob Stavers shares this sunset photo shot from the late ferry on Wednesday. Welcome home!

Jon Cain, of Friday Harbor, announced today that he has submitted his application for the position of San Juan County Superior Court Judge. Governor Jay Inslee will appoint someone later this year to fill the opening that will result from Judge Donald Eaton’s retirement.

“Every day judges make tough decisions that affect real people and fundamental rights,” said Mr. Cain. “I would be honored to serve this community as superior court judge and I will strive to ensure our courts are fair and impartial.” Mr. Cain currently is the chief civil deputy prosecuting attorney for San Juan County; he has worked in the Prosecutor’s Office for over 10 years. He previously worked for the City of Bellingham and the Town of Hunts Point. His experience includes a wide variety of cases, ranging from criminal trial to election challenges, family law, land use disputes, construction arbitration, truancy court, and more. Continue Reading

Pretty in Pink

Debbie Pigman writes to give you a heads up about these fun painting sessions coming up this month…

Our next Art for Fun sessions at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art are just around the corner!

• July 13, “Pretty in Pink”
• July 18, “Lavender Sunset”
• July 26, “Mona” (for those not local….yes, we do have resident camel on the island!)

Register now before the classes fill up at www.sjima.org.

See other paintings below – Continue Reading

Click to enlarge

San Juan Community Theatre’s summer Night Music series marks its sixth year showcasing local talents with a Summer Melodious Notes concert on Thursday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Island clarinetist Sue Collado (who coordinates the annual Melodious Notes Over the Harbor chamber concerts each Spring) brings her friends into the Gubelman for an intimate concert featuring popular summer classics and unique combinations.

Joining Collado this year are Kay Zavislak and Elizabeth Schaltenbrand, piano; Hanneke Klein-Robbenhaar, violin and viola; Pat Nelson, bassoon; Sasha von Dassow, cello; and Kim Breilein, flute.  Tangos and a piano four-hand piece will be presented as well as selections from Joplin, Gershwin, Paquito D’Rivera, William Grant Still and Island composer Richard Hieronymus.

Night Music returns on Thursday, August 1 with a performance from the Island’s Debbie Nash Strasser, Hanneke Klein-Robbenhaar and Sasha von Dassow. On August 31, the series celebrates the music of Island composer Richard Hieronymus.

Tickets for each evening are $12 each.

The Business Partner for the series is Islanders Bank. The SJCT Box Office is open Tuesdays-Fridays, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and one hour before any performance. Call 360-378-3210, or surf to www.sjctheatre.org.

Dear Safe Shippers (aka “Orca Protectors”),

Get ready to march in solidarity for the orcas in the Friday Harbor 4th of July Parade!

Safe Shippers will be joined by 15 other local organizations who care about the protection of our Southern Resident Killer Whales and our shared Salish Sea home. Let’s show how much we all love our endangered orcas!

Please come ready to carry the life-size orca dorsal fins and larger-than-life salmon, squid and jellyfish. We’ll need candy tossers and postcard distributors and banner carriers, as well! We are going to be WOW! The orcas will be so proud of us!

Invite your friends, neighbors and family — all ages are welcome and encouraged! Show your orca team colors by wearing black (and white).

Please RSVP ASAP so we can tally up and keep you informed about the meeting place and time. Email Liza Michaelson: [email protected]

Thank you,
Safe Shippers!

San Juan Islanders for Safe Shipping is a diverse group of San Juan Islands’ citizens who call these islands home. We are united in our concern about the likely adverse impacts to our economy and our environment from the increase of vessel traffic and the transport of fossil fuels through the Salish Sea.

In the ​animal ​world of Barbara Duzan and Jaime Ellsworth, the artists draw their inspiration from their unique perspective. Both Barbara and Jaime bring their strength and skill to their medium. Yet, they do so in a whimsical and often humorous manner, showing us the sweeter side of our relationship with the animal world.

Barbara continues her fascination with birds, bears and bunnies. She captures these creatures with awe and personality in her bronze sculptures, and unique beaded mixed media sculpture

Jaime continues her explorations of the many facets of her painting style, using her graphic qualities. Whether pushing her painting into a new graphic style, or just allowing these creatures (dogs, birds and horses) to do all their speaking, it’s all fun living in this wonderful world of animals.

Stop by WaterWorks Gallery for a visit and experience the exuberance.

​Join Jaime & Barbara at the​ Reception Friday June 30th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.

Barbara ​will walk​/talk prior to the artists reception from 3:00 to 4:00 pm

Jaime ​​will walk​/talk next Saturday, July 8th fro 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

San Juan Community Theatre presents an experimental version of its popular readers theatre program on Sunday and Monday, July 2-3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Gubelman Theatre.

Raymond Carver’s short story, “Beginners,” will be presented verbatim, without cutting or altering a word – but as semi-staged theater. Actors will take the parts of the different characters in the story, bringing them to life within the narrative. The technique of staging a short story as a play has been developed to a high point by the San Francisco theater troupe Word for Word.

Directed by Georgia Smith, the featured island actors are Duvie Dow, Francie Hansen, Penelope Haskew, Bobby Ryan, Douglas Schirmer, Krista Strutz and Greg Swinford.

“Beginners” is classic Carver: two men, two women, a couple bottles of gin, and a helpless longing for love. Most readers know it as the famous title story of Carver’s collection “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.”  But that title – and quite a bit of the writing in the published version – were the work of Carver’s editor, Gordon Lish. The version presented at SJCT is Carver’s original work, as published by his widow Tess Gallagher, just a few years ago.

Admission to this From the Page production is FREE! Seating is limited; doors open at 6:30 p.m.