Posted June 22, 2017 at 5:45 am by Tim Dustrude
Friday Harbor Labs and Point Caution
On this month’s Know Your Island Walk it’s the University of Washington Friday Harbor Laboratories. Last year we got a little side tracked so this year we are determined to make it to the end of the trail.
Walk will be about 3 miles, wear your hiking boots, could be some muddy spots. FH Labs is a preserve so no dogs are allowed.
Saturday June 24th, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Meet at the Labs Administration parking, the first parking lot to the right when you drive in.
Posted June 22, 2017 at 5:43 am by Tim Dustrude
Kaitlyn Johnson, Public Information Officer for San Juan Island EMS shares this announcement…
Francis Smith is a senior EMT. He has been with the agency for 12 years, and was a District 3 fire captain for 17 years.
Smith is currently organizing a cardiac event response team of Cape San Juan and Cattle Point residents who have completed the CPR/AED course through San Juan Island EMS.
Francis and his wife, Rebecca, a retired EMT, are avid yachties, travel trailer rats, and birders.
Posted June 22, 2017 at 5:42 am by Tim Dustrude
Turn Point Lighthouse, Stuart Island
Special Free Boat Adventure for 9-12 Graders: Exploring Stuart Island
July 19, 2017, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Leaving from Friday Harbor (timed with the inter-island ferry)
Students in grades 9-12 are invited to join Friends of the San Juans on this free, fun and informative boat trip (students entering 9th grade in the fall are eligible). Participants will learn about how the San Juan Islands were formed, the area’s natural history, connections between land and marine habitats, outer island off-the-grid lifestyle, and current environmental issues. Students will also collaborate to create a short video about the voyage to share through social media.
The trip will leave from Friday Harbor at 9 a.m. and travel along the geologically diverse shores to Stuart Island, learning about how the islands were formed, why they look the way they do, and how they are still changing. Students will disembark for a hike to the Turn Point Lighthouse (5 miles RT) where they can witness and learn about shipping traffic, strong currents, and, with luck, orcas passing by. Along the hike, students will learn about how people on Stuart Island live off the grid using alternative sources of energy. In Reid Harbor, they will sample a known spawning beach for forage fish eggs and learn about why this connection between land and sea is critical to the marine environment. The return trip will focus on the connections between all that was seen and learned and planning for the collaborative video.
The boat captain, Greg Hertel, is a retired science teacher and will provide expertise on geology and natural history. Friends’ Science Director, Tina Whitman, will teach about forage fish, salmon, and their connection to the health of endangered orca. Friends’ Community Engagement Director, Katie Fleming, will provide information on threats from increasing shipping traffic, orca whales and other wildlife, and information on alternative energy options.
Registration deadline is July 12. Contact Katie at 360-378-2319 or [email protected] to register.
Posted June 21, 2017 at 3:53 pm by Tim Dustrude
Cliff Swallow – Contributed photo
Its summer! Swallows are swooping around catching insects and making their nests in your barn, under the eaves of your house or on the light fixture above your back door.
Swallows eat huge numbers of flying insects, including mosquitoes and other biting insects and some that are garden pests, so we all benefit from having them around. But lots of insects being fed to swallow nestlings means lots of bird poop being produced. White splotches appear on the patio furniture or deck.
Unfortunately, some people then resort to knocking down nests, killing many baby swallows. This is very sad, and unnecessary because there are some easy ways to reduce the bird poop problem without damaging the nests or birds. Moving the grill or chairs over a couple of feet and placing a piece of cardboard from an old box on the deck beneath the nest can catch a lot of the droppings, and the cardboard can be replaced every week or so. You can also attach a small board (~ 2 feet long by 6″ wide) to the wall a couple of feet below the nest to catch the droppings. It’s important not to put the board too close beneath the nest because the parents need room to swoop up to feed their youngsters. The board can then be removed at the end of the season.
With just a little thought and ingenuity we can minimize the bird poop issue, enjoy our decks, and the swallows can spend the summer raising their kids and eating those pesky insects.
Posted June 21, 2017 at 5:57 am by Tim Dustrude
The San Juan County Fairgrounds is excited to kick off the Drive-in season with the Secret Life of Walter Mitty, this Friday, June 23rd at the San Juan County Fairgrounds.
Admission is $5/person or $20 for a family of 5 (Age 5 and under, free). Pack the car with blankets and head on over to the Fairgrounds as early as 8:30pm, movie will start at dark.
Learn more about the Drive-Ins at the Fairgrounds at: http://www.sjcfair.org/p/events/drive-in-movies-information
See you at the Drive-In!
Posted June 21, 2017 at 5:51 am by Tim Dustrude
Ian Miller – Contributed photo
Understanding Sea Level Rise in the San Juan Islands
The notion of climate change driven by human emissions has been with us for a long time. In 1896, Svante Arrhenius published a paper from Denmark that applied basic chemical and physical principles to demonstrate that humans, by adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, could change the planet’s surface temperature. One of the climate impacts of critical importance in coastal Washington and the San Juans, sea level rise, is an outcome of increasing temperature.
Average ocean levels over long time periods (multiple decades or centuries) are controlled by climate, primarily through two relationships: First, the volume of water is related to its temperature, and if ocean water warms it also expands, raising sea levels. Next, as the temperature of the atmosphere and ocean warms, water that is currently in ice form is converted to liquid form. For ice that is perched on land, like the huge masses of ice that lie atop Greenland or Antarctica, melting leads to increased water volume in the ocean basins – raising the level of the oceans.
This climate-driven “sea level rise” poses a unique threat to communities in Washington State, which boasts over 3,000 miles of coastline, much of it developed. Sea level rise exposes our homes, infrastructure and valued coastal habitats to increasing flood risk, erosion and is likely to convert some existing developed land into tidelands. This isn’t only a future problem: A 2014 NOAA analysis of tide gauge records from Seattle shows that the average number of days of coastal flooding in and near the city have more than doubled since 1950, and are correlated with a documented rise in average sea level of just 5 inches. Continue Reading
Posted June 21, 2017 at 5:47 am by Tim Dustrude
Dr. Danna Diaz – Contributed photo
Greetings Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students, and Community Members:
On Saturday, June 10, I participated in the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2017. They were rising juniors when I started my position two years ago. The accomplishments of these talented young men and women are obvious and highlighted by the number of scholarships that were distributed by our community organizations. As the superintendent of schools, I am proud of each and every graduate. Congratulations on your success!
I would also like to personally thank the community organizations for their dedication by helping finance our students’ college careers. You are amazing!
The following are just a few of our accomplishments for the 2016-17 school year:
Congratulations to our fifth, sixth and eighth grade students on their transition to middle school and high school, respectively. I know you have a bright future ahead of you! Continue Reading
Posted June 20, 2017 at 6:22 am by Peggy Sue McRae
Kinetic Sun Sculpture by Equinox Productions LLC – Contributed photo
Today is summer solstice, the longest day of the year and the first day of summer. At 9:24 pm this evening the sun will reach it’s northernmost point as the Earth’s North Pole tilts towards the sun. The word solstice comes from the latin words sol, meaning sun and sistere, meaning to stop or stand still. At the moment the sun reaches its zenith it stands still before reversing direction and moving south again.
Bobby Warren with Sun Sculpture – Photo Lynnette Cabrera
We have had a rainy spring here on San Juan Island. If you feel like you can’t quite get enough sun in your life, Lynnette Cabrera tells me that Equinox Productions LLC, the company she and her partner Bobby Warren run, are giving local discounts on their cedar and steel constructed Kinetic Sun Sculptures. As pictured here, the sun sculptures feature “two layers of cedar sun rays, which spin in opposite directions in the slightest breeze.” The center of the sculpture features a classic “sun face” taken from their archives or a custom design “to reflect your interests or business.” Warren is also a luthier and is known for his custom guitars under the name, R.A.W. guitars.
Besides sun sculptures, custom guitars and instrument repair, this creative couple also makes recycled glassware, hosts music camps for kids, maintains a lively farmyard of animals, and Cabrera, is now commuting to film school in Seattle. It is always an adventure to see what they will create next. To reach Equinox Productions LLC, email: equinoxsunproduction @ gmail.com or call 360-378-5834.
Posted June 19, 2017 at 6:45 am by Peggy Sue McRae
Boarding the Mullis Center Van – Photo Peggy Sue McRae
A day trip to the mainland was never so easy. This week I got on the Mullis Center van for the Mt Vernon trip. Every month the van makes two mainland trips to facilitate members of the Mullis Center with medical appointments or shopping needs, one trip to Mt Vernon and one to Bellingham. The cost for the entire trip, including the ferry, is only $10, subsidized by the Mullis Center’s annual membership dues of $20 per individual. The first thing I appreciated about this trip was being able to leave my car at the Mullis Center for the day.
It was a light passenger list this time with only three of us. The other two passengers were dropped off at Island Hospital in Anacortes. I’m the only one who went all the way to Mt Vernon. I met my sister Sally for our birthday lunch at the Skagit Valley Food Coop’s Third Street Café, followed by a little light shopping at the Coop. I was surprised to learn regular riders of the van often use it to make a Costco run. Our diver was very accommodating offering to take us to other shopping venues if we wished.
The Mullis Center van is equipped with a wheelchair lift and will if requested be parked on the ferry right next to the elevator. The ferry crew leaves space in front of the door of the van for safe and easy boarding. I very much enjoyed the conviviality of my fellow travelers. It was fun getting know my fellow islanders a little better. We accomplished our missions, the day went by quickly, and then we were home.
To check on the dates and times of monthly van trips look for the Mullis Center ad on the San Juan Island Update, click on it, and you will see a poster of the month’s trips and activities. Call the Mullis Center at 378-2677 to make a reservation.
Posted June 18, 2017 at 5:53 am by Tim Dustrude
The Kubatana Marimba band will be offering a free performance at the Life Care Center (660 Spring Street) in Friday Harbor on Thursday, June 22nd. Everyone is welcome!
Posted June 18, 2017 at 5:51 am by Tim Dustrude
Sasha von Dassow – Contributed Photo
San Juan Island cellist Sasha von Dassow – a former member of the Florida Orchestra and music director and conductor of the North Port Symphony – brings his Friday Harbor Chamber Music Festival back to San Juan Community Theatre this summer for its third year.
Featuring NW professional musicians and a variety of full-length chamber and unique pieces, each concert will be different. The festival opens Friday, June 23 at 7:30 p.m. with a program of sonatas and the Schumann Piano Quartet. Performing artists are Cecilia Archuleta, violin; Charles Enlow, piano; Luka Sesek, viola; and von Dassow, cello. In addition to Schumann, Mozart and Eduard Toldra pieces will be presented.
Then on Sunday, June 25 at 2:00 p.m., the artists return to explore intimate sonatas from Debussy and Brahms, concluding with Mozart’s powerful Piano Quartet in G minor, K. 478.
The festival’s final weekend starting on Friday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m., brings van Dassow together with violist Eileen Swanson, pianist Grisha Krivchenia, violinist/violist Luka Sesek, guitarist Alexander Dunn and soprano Laurel Alyn-Forest. Von Dassow says this performance will have “a varied look at music for this unusual group of instruments” including two new pieces from Krivchenia and the Paganini Terzetto for violin, guitar and cello.
Finally on Sunday, July 23 at 2:00 p.m., festival artists will host a master class for area musicians. Von Dassow encourages students to attend and perform. Admission to the class is $10 per person.
The Business Partner for the festival is Friday Harbor Suites. Tickets for each concert are $25 for adults, $11 for student reserved and $5 student RUSH at the door. The SJCT 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.
Posted June 17, 2017 at 5:48 am by Tim Dustrude
Summer Sizzles with a Visit from the Northwest’s Gypsy Jazz Kings!
Pearl Django brings their hot club style of gypsy jazz back to San Juan Community Theatre on Saturday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m.
The band celebrates more than two decades in existence, having played throughout the world, including at the prestigious Festival Django Reinhardt in Samois sur Seine and being featured on NPR’s All Things Considered. The band’s signature style is marked by pristine and dexterous string work, colors of Bal Musette, the steady pulse of rhythm guitar and an unmistakable swing that delights audiences of all musical sensibilities. This form of jazz originated in Parisian jazz clubs of the 1930s—a string-centered, toe-tapping, rhythmic style pioneered by Belgian guitarist Django Reinhardt and French-Italian violinist Stéphane Grappelli.
The quintet of esteemed musicians visiting Friday Harbor are Michael Gray, violin; David Lange, accordion; Rick Leppanen, bass; and Tim Lerch and Jim Char, guitars.
Pearl Django’s island appearance was generously underwritten by Gary and Susan Sterner.
Tickets are $22 for adults, $11 for student reserved, with $5 student RUSH one hour before the show if there are still seats available. 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
Posted June 17, 2017 at 5:47 am by Tim Dustrude
L to R: Isabella Brown, Nayaleah Tucker-Belt, Andrew Stromberg, Hayden Mayer, Alexa Mora, Beatrice Grauman-Boss & Corbin Williams (not pictured: Joseph Stewart, Kai Herko, Eli Cooper-West & Griffin Cuomo) – Contributed photo
Twelve graduating seniors from Friday Harbor High School and one graduating senior from Spring Street International School were awarded scholarships for the 2017/2018 academic year from two different funds held at the San Juan Island Community Foundation.
Inskeep Legacy Scholarship Fund
Isabella Brown Santa Clara University $3,000
Eli Cooper-West University of Washington $3,000
Griffin Cuomo Chapman University $7,000
Beatrice Grauman-Boss Wellesley College $3,000
Kai Herko Clark University $5,000
Hayden Mayer Western Washington University $4,000
Alexa Mora Central Washington University $4,000
Joseph Stewart Gonzaga University $3,000
Andrew Stromberg University of Dayton $4,000
Nayaleah Tucker-Belt University of Hawaii $5,000
Corbin Williams University of Washington $3,000
Total New Applicants: $44,000
The Inskeep Legacy Scholarship Fund was established by a generous donation made by the late Jerry Inskeep, who deeply appreciated the helping hand that he received enabling him to attend college. He left a legacy through the San Juan Island Community Foundation that will provide a permanent source of funds for the education of our island’s students.
See additional scholarship recipients below… Continue Reading
Posted June 17, 2017 at 5:44 am by Tim Dustrude
Orca passes by Lime Kiln Jenny Atkinson photo
Orca Sing 2017, June 24 at Lime Kiln Point State Park, 7 p.m.
Orca Sing is an annual event where people gather for an evening of music at Lime Kiln Point State Park to honor the Southern Resident orcas. This year’s event is the 18th annual and will take place on Saturday, June 24, beginning at 7 p.m.
This year, Fred West and Seattle’s City Cantabile Choir will perform. Washington State Parks and Orca Awareness Month will also be celebrated. In addition, Odin and Orca Annie from the Vashon Hydrophone Project will offer a Tlingit killer whale welcome. While there is no guarantee, we hope that the orcas will grace us with a pass-by.
Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy the beauty of Lime Kiln. Tours of the historic lighthouse will be offered before and after the concert. The event is free and open to the public.
A Discovery Pass is required for parking at the State Park. Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited. Round-trip transportation is also available through San Juan Transit for $10 a person (pick up is at 5:30 at The Whale Museum with an 8:30 departure from Lime Kiln).
This year’s event partners include Lime Kiln Point State Park, F.O.L.K.S. (Friends of Lime Kiln Society), City Cantabile Choir, Friends of the San Juans, Orca Network, Vashon Hydrophone Project, and The Whale Museum.
For more information, contact The Whale Museum at 360-378-4710 ext. 30 or Friends of the San Juans at 360-378-2319.
Posted June 16, 2017 at 5:55 am by Tim Dustrude
June 14, 2017 – Pelindaba and Orcasong today announce a long-term strategic alliance to significantly expand Lavender production in the San Juan Islands.
“Escalating demand for our broad portfolio of all-natural lavender-based products across the country has prompted our desire to significantly expand our environmentally friendly organic lavender plantings,” said Stephen Robins, founder/owner of Pelindaba.
“Today, we forge a game-changing alliance using the combined resources of Pelindaba and Orcasong to accelerate the development of our highly compatible objectives and opportunities.”
“Pelindaba’s vertically integrated model of sustainable agriculture enables us to preserve farmland from further development, protect it from pollution, create employment opportunities for our fellow islanders and provide a destination of natural beauty for islanders and visitors alike.”
“Orcasong and Pelindaba share a common vision of creating and developing initiatives that improve life in the San Juan Islands, benefit the local community, and meet growing demand in a sustainable way. This alliance is another step in that direction and a natural extension of our core interests” said Paul King, Chief Operating Officer of Orcasong.
“Just as Orcasong has done with investments in our existing businesses, we see this new collaboration as yet another example of our commitment to regenerating agricultural land into beautiful, productive open spaces that represent the next level of opportunity for growers to drive yield and productivity using sustainable practices while preserving our islands’ natural resources.”
Posted June 16, 2017 at 5:44 am by Tim Dustrude
Click to enlarge
On Saturday, June 24, the San Juan Island Trails Committee and Island Rec will be supporting a bike ride on Shaw Island.
This is a FREE event with either a guided or not ride to points of interest on Shaw Island, which there are many. Ultimately, we will be landing at the Shaw Island County Park, which is a relatively flat 1 mile ride from the ferry.
There will be a support vehicle and technical expertise along the way, as well activities at the beach. We will be boarding the ferry on San Juan Island at 11:35 am and returning to San Juan Island by 5:10 pm, and will be on Shaw Island from 1:00pm to 4:10pm.
No registration is required for this all-ages event, but please call the Island Rec office if you know you are coming.
www.IslandRec.org, 360-378-4953, 580 Guard St. Monday – Friday 11:00-5pm.