Street resurfacing is scheduled to begin tomorrow on Spring Street, followed by Price Street.
Tuesday, May 9th through Friday, May 12th

Richard Lawson Construction (RLC) will resurface the portion of Spring Street between Peace Island Hospital (near Airport Circle) and Marguerite Place on Tuesday, May 9th and Wednesday, May 10th. This work is intended to repair the road where trenching occurred in 2016 for the Water Transmission Line Replacement Project.

RLC will then resurface the portion of Price Street from Spring Street to Holli Place on Thursday, May 11th and Friday, May 12th. This work is intended to repair potholing and smooth both lanes up to the portion between Holli Place and Park Street. The remaining portion will require more extensive repairs that will be scheduled following Park Street improvements.

Crews are authorized to work from 7AM to 7PM. RLC will use flaggers to direct traffic on both projects. During work hours, traffic will be reduced to a single lane and speeds lowered for the construction zone. The work zones will reopen in the evenings.

Drivers should expect delays and, if possible, plan alternate routes to ease congestion. Please slow down, pay attention and abide by the traffic control for your safety and the safety of others.

Questions and comments can be forwarded to Town Hall at (360) 378-2810.

Debbie Pigman writes to remind you of this fun art event happening this month at IMA…

Dear San Juan Update –
I would like to get a reminder out to folks that the Art for Fun program at SJIMA starts later this week.

No experience needed – Don’t need to bring any materials. Just come have fun and paint a picture!

We have four different sessions in May to try to accommodate folks’ schedules (May 11, May 17, May 20, May 24). All sessions are from 6:00-8:00pm.

For more information or to sign up, contact Debbie Pigman, [email protected] or 378-0951.

Thank you!
Debbie

Kittens, kittens, kittens! Head on down to Crazy Larry’s “Mile-0-Kittens” for this season’s new arrivals! We’ve got your tabby kittens. We’ve got your sleek black kittens, your long-haired kittens and your short-haired kittens.

These beauties have very low mileage, and are ready to snuggle right off the lot…. Check out our fantastic low, low rates! What’s it gonna to take to get one of these babies into your home? C’mon over to Crazy Larry’s (aka The Animal Shelter) for a test cuddle soon!

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

The San Juan County/Friday Harbor Department of Emergency Management (DEM) is currently developing a “Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan”. DEM is seeking input from members of the island community about potential ways to reduce the risk of injuries and damage from natural hazards. One example of a mitigation activity is a wildland fuels reduction project to reduce the threat to a neighborhood from a wildland fire. You can learn more by attending a meeting on the topic. Meetings will be held at these times. dates and locations:

• Shaw Island: Saturday May 13th 4:30 – 6:00 PM at the Community Building
• San Juan Island: Sunday May 21st 12:00 to 1:30 PM at the Skagit Valley College Community Room
• Lopez Island: Sunday May 21st, 4:00 to 5:30 PM at the Lopez Library meeting room.
• Orcas Island: Tuesday May 23rd 6:00 – 7:30 PM at the Senior Center

In March, DEM kicked off the planning effort by asking for your input on a survey about natural hazards and preparedness. That survey is still available and accepting your input at this link.

In addition to the survey, DEM has prepared another web form for community members to send in their mitigation project ideas. Please consider attending the meeting on your island to learn more. Or if you are ready with a mitigation idea, you can submit it at this link.

If you have any questions about this, please call 370-0587.

Continue Reading

Ribbon Cutting for Breezeway Park
Well done, Everyone!

The Town of Friday Harbor is pleased to announce that downtown’s Breezeway Park on Spring Street will be complete May 9th, 2017. The park includes extensive landscaping, three rock sculptures, a decorative curved wall and generous seating options. The transformation provides both a resting place and new vantage point within the downtown core and highlights the access point to Sunshine Alley.

The park’s layout was designed by landscape architect Patricia Lenssen with the Philbin Group of Bow, WA. The steel wall and curved bench were manufactured by Elegant Iron of Burlington. The rock features, including a carved stone table, a granite chair and granite bench/couch, were the work of San Juan Island sculptor Tom Small. Tom was chosen with the assistance and approval of the Friday Harbor Arts Commission.

Special recognition goes to all of those involved in realizing the vision for this development. Thank you to: the San Juan County Public Facilities Financing Assistance Program which provided partial grant funding; to Wayne Haefele, the Town’s Public Works Director, for his engineering design; to Mike Carlson Enterprises and his subcontractors for providing excellent workmanship and creative problem solving; and to the patient and supportive local businesses that were directly impacted including Haley’s Sports Bar, the Bait Shop, Palace Theatre, Rocky Bay Café and the Sandpebble gift shop.

Enhancing the Spring Street entrance was part of the Sunshine Alley Urban Development Plan. The project was also designed to implement some much needed safety improvements in the area, including better visibility of pedestrians crossing on Spring Street and elimination of illegal right-side passing at the Second Street intersection.

A ribbon-cutting to officially open Breezeway Park will occur on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. during which the Mayor will thank the project partners and recognize the many people who made the park a reality.

Planned Outage for Shaw and Orcas Overnight – beginning at 11:59 PM on Wednesday, May 10th

OPALCO members on all of Shaw Island and west of Youngren’s Pond / Loon Song Lane on Orcas Island will experience an overnight planned power outage beginning at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, May 10th. Power restoration is expected by 4:00 am on Thursday, May 11th. This outage is necessary to make repairs to the transmission system where winter storms caused damage.

In some cases, OPALCO linemen can conduct maintenance projects while the lines are “hot” and keep the power on. The transmission system operates at 69,000 volts and it’s not safe for our linemen to work on these lines without taking the system down. There will be crews on Shaw and Lopez working on maintenance projects to take advantage of this opportunity. OPALCO’s engineering team and line crew will work diligently to keep this – and all planned outages – to a minimum.

To keep updated about the outage, please visit OPALCO’s dynamic outage map at www.opalco.com/outages (even if you don’t have power, smart phones and data services will be available). OPALCO outage call center is open 24/7 and the outage map is updated every 10 minutes.

OPALCO members are responsible for their own equipment and OPALCO encourages all members to install surge protection to safeguard electronic, computer and other sensitive equipment and appliances. To prepare for the outage, members may want to turn sensitive electronics and equipment off at the surge protector, or unplug them completely – and keep a flashlight handy. When the power is back on, please turn equipment, lights and appliances on slowly: one at a time, to help the system pick up the load. For more information on surge protection, to learn how to prepare for an outage and what to do during an outage, go to www.opalco.com/outages.

San Juan County Health and Community Services and Island Rec are hosting a FREE family bike ride, Tour de Family Friday Harbor, on Friday, May 12th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the John O. Linde Community Park.

Three loop rides are planned:

1. One for scooter or trike bikers
2. A 1-mile first biker’s loop including those with training wheels who are just learning the rules of the road
3. A 3-mile round trip adventure biker loop for our more experienced riders.

There will be FREE safety gear giveaways including helmets and a chance to win a bike for participants.

A special thanks to our generous sponsors: PeaceHealth, San Juan Island Trails Committee, San Juan Island EMS, Island Bicycles, and Meat Machine Cycles.

You can register at Island Rec, 378-4953, or drop in the day of the ride. Bikes will be available to borrow onsite for those who would like to ride but do not have a bike.

If you have outgrown a bike, you may bring bikes in good working condition to the Bike Swap to trade or sell your used bikes.

Join us with your family and friends for this fun-filled family ride on May 12th!

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information, or reasonable accommodation should contact Kristen Rezabek at 360-370-7518 or [email protected] at least two weeks prior to the event.

USDA and Washington State University are equal opportunity providers and employers. This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet. To find out more, contact: http://foodhelp.wa.gov or the Basic Food Program at: 1 877 501 2233.

Larry Soll invites you back to the Summer Film Series at SJ Community Theatre…

Well fellow islanders,

The curtain is going up for the second season of the Tuesday Night Film Series at the San Juan Community Theatre. Beginning June 20th and for ten Tuesdays, we will screen a special movie beginning at 7:30 pm in the Whittier. The films have been selected to be enjoyable and thought provoking. All are from independent filmmakers and none have been shown on the island. Many have received awards from international festivals. This year we are hoping to have a 10 minute “talkback” after each movie to share impressions and lessons. Let me know if you would like to lead one.

Here is the schedule for the first five films (remaining schedule will be announced soon):

June 20   20th Century Women
June 27   Music of Strangers
July 4      Red Turtle
July 11     [No Movie]
July 18     Abacus
July 25    The Salesman

Admission will either be by punch card or cash at the door. Punch cards good for 10 admissions will go on sale at the Theatre for $55 on May 15th. As a special inducement, folks under 25 can purchase a 10 admission card for only $35. Punch cards can be shared. Single admissions will be available for $8 the night of the show. These are the same prices as last year.

In addition to the normal snacks, popcorn will be available for $2 with free refills. Talk about a bargain! We are also talking to island restaurants and hope to announce special pre-theatre dinner pricing soon. So invite some friends and make a night of it.

Please spread the word and send email addresses for people who wish be added to our distribution list. If you no longer want to receive these notices, please let us know via email to [email protected]

See you at the movies

Larry Soll
Film Series Coordinator
San Juan Community Theatre

Lynn Danaher, President of Pacific Islands Research Institute and Director of the Friday Harbor Film Festival writes to share this news with you…

Pacific Islands Research Institute expedition to ancient Micronesian sites

Our expedition will visit 2 remote islands in Micronesia, Kosrae (sites: Menke and Leluh) and Pohnpei (Nan Madol).  We will investigate the relationship the remarkable sites on each island with their alignments to celestial bodies. record petroglyphs, take measurements and 3D photographs. A full report will be crafted and shared with both the Micronesian Historical Preservation Office and the Explorers Club.

This is the 4th Expedition planned by the Pacific Islands Research Institute since founding the Friday Harbor Film Festival in 2013. To date expeditions have been to the Marquesas, 2013, Raivavae, French Polynesia in 2015, Easter Island in 2016 and Micronesia in 2017.  All costs of the Expeditions are paid by the participants of the expeditions, most are Explorers Club members.

Each Expedition contributes any residual funds after all costs of the expedition have been met to the Friday Harbor Film Festival. The Pacific Islands Research Institute is the founding organization of the Friday Harbor Film Festival, as the mission of the FHFF is in complete agreement with the mission of the Pacific Islands Research Institute, which to date has contributed over $16,000 towards the support of the Friday Harbor Film Festival. Continue Reading

Hi Friday Harbor,

We are in town next week at Herbs Tavern.

Friday and Saturday, May 12th & 13th at 8:30 pm.

Andy Badd Dog and the Pack will be kicking off the season, with Chester Dennis Jones, Rob Smith and Ranger. No Cover

Thanks! 
Andy “Badd Dog” Koch

Park Street Sewer & Water Main Replacement Project Construction Update
Week of May 8th

The Town would like to thank all local residents for their patience and cooperation during this upgrade.

The Contractor has implemented additional safety measures to ensure the safety of local pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Please obey traffic regulations.

Project task(s):
The crew will be demobilizing from Work Zone 2 and commence work at Work Zone 3. Work Zone 3 encroaches into the Marguerite Place Intersection. Traffic delays are anticipated.

Construction Zone:
For your safety and others, abide to the instructions of Flaggers at all times. The Sheriff’s Department is making extra patrols of the area. Traffic ticket fines are double in Construction Zones.

Street Closure:
The Marguerite Place and Park Street Intersection will closed for an extended period of time as the Contractor installs underground concrete structures. Closure will last approximately 1 ½ days.

Local motorists: Local vehicular access will be maintained but expect up to 15 minute delays. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times but caution is advised due to heavy machinery on-site. Flaggers will be on-site.

Detour:
Drivers are asked to help ease congestion by using the detour route.

Rod Turnbull, Athletic Director at Friday Harbor High School shares this post season report…

We are just beginning the spring portion of our post season events.

Below is an update on the post season opportunities for our spring sports teams. Continue Reading

EDC’s Trades Training Initiative up for funding through GiveOrcas

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) is pleased to announce that the Trades Education Initiative is participating in the GiveOrcas campaign through the Orcas Island Community Foundation. Islanders can help bring trades training and family-wage jobs to young adults by donating between May 1st and May 19th. This campaign will fund a Construction Technology training program to begin in September 2017. Donate directly to the Trades Education Initiative here. For more information about the GiveOrcas campaign, visit www.giveorcas.org. Every dollar counts!

EDC’s Trades Education Initiative addresses the growing gap between available jobs and younger, often unskilled and unemployed workers. The Trades Education Initiative serves San Juan County businesses and families by training workers in skills such as construction technology, marine technology, plumbing, and other trades.

For more information about the current Marine Maintenance Technology program or other EDC trades training opportunities, please visit the EDC’s website at www.sanjuansedc.org.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) strives to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County. We believe a strong economy builds a strong community. The EDC works to build an environment that helps business owners create jobs. We serve business: linking organizations and resources, providing valuable information, rendering assistance and advocating for an improved island business environment.

Friday, May 5, 2017 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm, at Friday Harbor House, 130 West Street, Friday Harbor,

$100 per person

Tickets are available in the front office.

Come experience why local families choose Spring Street.

All proceeds go to scholarships

Space is limited to 60 guests. The evening will feature a gourmet dinner of locally sourced ingredients by Friday Harbor House Executive Chef Jason Aldous. If you cannot attend, consider a donation by mail or online.

The Studio and Island Rec are excited to announce an expansion in their partnership by offering 2 new youth summer programs. In June, The Studio will lead a fun and athletic cheerleading camp for girls, grades 4-7. Campers will learn fundamental cheerleading skills, cheers and chants, basic stunts, a spirit dance and, most importantly, teamwork! This camp is led and instructed by former collegiate cheerleader and competitive high school cheer coach, The Studio co-owner, Jacquelyn Reiff.

In addition to cheer camp, The Studio will direct a SHE ROCKS Movement Camp. This camp is for girls ages 11-14. Studio instructor, Sharalyn Lehman, will lead this camp. Sharalyn has a background in dance and is a certified Pilates Instructor who holds numerous group fitness certifications. This camp will focus on movement and body awareness. Movement will include:
Pilates, dance, strength, and endurance activities followed by stretching, relaxation, meditation and affirmations.

For those of you wondering, the ever popular 20/20/20 Adult Fitness program will continue through the summer! Two sessions will be offered, which are Monday/Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. and Monday/Wednesday at 11 a.m. These classes fill up right away and generally have a waiting list so make sure you sign up quickly with Island Rec.

For all of these programs, please register online at www.islandrec.org or in person at the Island Rec Office.