A Family Friendly Event – Early crocus, colorful muscari, dainty miniature daffodil, dancing snowdrops and glorious tulips. Springtime color for weeks and weeks. Learn to prepare a lasagna bulb pot. The simplest technique of layering bulbs in container.

The San Juan Island Garden Club will host a class on Lasagne Pot planting and care:

• Date: November 5, 2016
• Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Location: Mullis Community Center
• Instructors: Fiona Norris and Marguerite Bennett
• Cost: $39.00 for adults
  Free for the first accompanied child
  $20.00 for all other children

No beverages provided. Reservations required prior to October 28, 2016
To register contact: Marguerite Bennett – 378-8524 or posygal [@] gmail.com
Vonnie Harold – 298-0859 or yharold99 [@] gmail.com
More information: www.sjigardenclub.weebly.com

Click to enlarge

Islander Deb Treise has a friend in England named Tracey whose birthday is today. For a fun way to wish her a happy birthday, Deb made a banner to hold in front of the Roche Harbor Webcam and told Tracey to watch for it at the right time. Above is a screenshot from 11:00 AM when Debbie held up the banner. Here’s more in her words:

Hi Tim,

I’m going to try to send a birthday greeting to a galfriend in England on the 26th at 11:00 am from the Roche Harbor cam video. I thought maybe you might come up with some kinda story about reaching out to our neighbors, no matter how far away using this modern technology that I still can’t even grasp myself.

Tracey lives in Durham, England; near Newcastle upon Tyne. She’s on her family sheep farm (3rd generation) which she runs with her guy, Ed. They have Dobbins, 600+ sheep, a dog named Poppy, two boys Michael stationed in Afghanistan & Adam. I’ve gotten to know her through a game site, we talk almost everyday. Anyway, it’s her birthday this Wednesday & as much as we’d like to meet each other, I thought that this would be a fun thing to do, using Roche Harbor’s web cam, I hope to wish her a happy birthday. Weather permitting… wish me luck.

Deb Treise.

This was the scene last year at Brickworks as Zombies overtook the plaza – Contributed photo

Zombies Around the World Unite to Thrill the World!

Thrill The World Is An Annual Worldwide Simultaneous Dance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” For World Records and Charity. A Global Tribute To Michael Jackson.

The Thrill The World Friday Harbor event is set for Saturday, October 29, 2016, from 2:30 – 3:15, at Brickworks being joined around the world with nearly 130 events in 16 different countries and counting.

Thrill the World Friday Harbor is raising money for their charity The Friday Harbor Family Resource Center!

This is from the League of Women Voters’ candidate forum on October 6th at The Grange. In case you missed it, here’s your chance to watch it at your leisure.

It opens with Kevin Ranker and Daniel Miller, then at about the 46 minute mark it goes to Mark Henneman (Rick Larson was unable to attend so Diane Martindale read a prepared statement for him). And finally at about the 57 minute mark, Bob Jarman, Bill Watson, Rick Hughes and Michael Durland are introduced.

Thanks to Tom Munsey for videotaping and posting this video.

Next in the series of San Juan Island Lifestyle tips, here is Merri Ann Simonson with her video on moving to the island and joining a neighborhood.

Water, Water Everywhere… Enough For Us To Drink?

Is there enough fresh water in the San Juan Islands to support future growth? How can we preserve water resources? What is the potential for catchment and desalination?

These questions are among those to be explored at a public meeting of the League of Women Voters of the San Juans at noon Monday, November 14 at the Friday Harbor Library.

Speaker Paul Kamin, Chair of the San Juan County Water Resource Management Committee, will present updated information about the current water situation, patterns of usage and specific actions citizens and government can take to safeguard our water future. A question and answer period will follow his talk.

The League has a long history of studying issues of community concern and advocating for solutions. The public is invited to attend and actively participate in this program.

From a Night at Hogwarts to Victorian corsets, armchair travel to Cat in the Hat, the Friends of the San Juan Island Library make it all possible.

As a Friend of the San Juan Island Library, you will become an integral part of our Library family—helping us continue to provide outstanding programs and resources for adults and children alike.

Your involvement can take many forms:

• Simply through the Membership fee
• Volunteering at book sales or the Treasure Cove
• Attending Friends meetings
• Becoming a Friend of the Library Board Member

Also– if you sign-up or renew your membership between October 16th and December 10th 2016 you will earn a chance to win a $100 Gift Certificate for Griffin Bay Bookstore and an FOL bag!

You can learn more about becoming a Friend by visiting the Library website at
http://www.sjlib.org/friends-of-the-library

So, why not sign-up/renew to become a Friend and support your library today!

Astronaut, rocket scientist and actor, Pete Freeland, will be attending the fourth annual Friday Harbor Film Festival, which will be held November 4-5-6!

Freeland grew-up in Aumsville, Oregon and graduated from Cascade High School. He then studied aerospace engineering at the University of Southern California before beginning his military career in the U.S. Air Force. After years of military service and engineering work, Pete focused his attention on professional acting.

Film Festival attendees will have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions with Freeland after screenings of The Last Man on the Moon, a film directed by Mark Craig, which will be held on Friday, November 4 at 1 pm at Friday Harbor House and on Saturday, November 5 at 4 pm at the Gubelman Theatre.

The film tells the story of Apollo astronaut Eugene Cernan’s part in mankind’s greatest adventure. When Cernan stepped off the moon in 1972 he left his footprints and his daughter’s initials in the lunar dust. Now, 40 years later, he is sharing the deeply personal story of his epic adventure to the spectacular and hazardous environment of space and the moon. But there was a heavy price to pay for the fame and privilege that followed. As his wife famously remarked, “If you think going to the moon is hard, try staying at home.”

Throughout the weekend of November 4-5-6, the Friday Harbor Film Festival will feature quality documentaries and docu-dramas that highlight compelling stories about humanitarian efforts, environmental issues, social concerns and daring explorations.  Each film will be followed by lively discussion with the filmmaker or a local expert.  For additional information on this year’s featured films and special events, visit the Festival’s website, www.fhff.org.  And for information on how to get to San Juan Island or where to stay, go to www.visitsanjuans.com.

FHHS Student Kendra Pew named as a “Commended Student” in the National Merit Scholarship Program

Kendra-Pew – Contributed photo

Fred Woods, Principal of Friday Harbor High School, announced today that Kendra Pew has been named a Commended Student in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), will be presented by the principal to this scholastically talented senior.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2017 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2017 competition by taking the 2015 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

“The young men and women being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success. These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.” – Spokesperson for NMSC

“Kendra is an excellent student who is well deserving of this recognition.” – Fred Woods, Friday Harbor High School Principal

Tanja from the Land Bank shares this invitation with you…

Hello Oakies! I hope you all have been enjoying the work party respite and are ready for some Fall Planting Fun atop Cady Mountain! Under the guidance of Land Steward, Eliza Habegger, The Salish Seeds Project had a fruitful season and has many native species seeds and transplants for the Preserve’s Garry oak restoration areas.

• When?
  Sunday, October 30
  10:00am to 2:00pm
• RSVP required (send an e-mail to tanjaw [@] sjclandbank.org).
• Where?
  Base of Cady Mountain Preserve – turn on to Cady Mountain Road off of West Valley Road. We’ll meet at the triangle junction about 100 yards from West Valley.
• What?
  Sow native seed
  Transplant native species
• Bring/Wear?
  Gardening gloves
  Narrow trowel or similar planting tool, if possible
  Weather appropriate clothing
  Water
  *We’ll supply snacks and some tools!

Tanja Williamson
Outreach/Volunteer Coordinator

Cynthia Burke writes a note to let you know of new things happening at the Bistro…

A watercolor by Theresa Smith

Cynthia’s, a neighborhood Bistro located at 65 Nichols Street is pleased to announce our first “Meet the Artist” evening this Friday, October 28th from 5:00 to 7:00.

Since Cynthia’s opened in May of 2015, we have been hosting various island artists to show their art on our walls. Teresa Smith is currently showing her beautiful artwork and would love to meet you and introduce her art form. Please join us on Friday – from 5:00 to 7:00. We will be offering appetizers and wine, beer or soft beverages for purchase. Also – those attending will receive 10% off dinner selections that evening.

Scallops – Contributed photo

Cynthia’s is also happy to announce our ongoing Dinner. Please join us on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. We have worked on creating a tasteful menu – An assortment of appetizers followed by entrees including – Scallops on a bed of Garlic Mash Puree with Grapefruit Buerre Blanc, 12 Ounce Baseball Cut Sirloin Steak with a Mango & Brandy Reduction resting on Garlic Mash Puree, Duck Breast with Blackberry Sauce and our vegetarian selection of Roasted Squash resting on a bed of Organic Polenta, Black Beans, & Kale – topped with Feta & drizzled Balsamic Reduction. House made desserts complete the meal. Enjoy our fine selection of wine, beers or non-alcoholic beverages.

Our full menu is on our website – cynthiasofcourse.com – Reservations accepted. Cynthia’s, 65 Nichols Street, 360-298-8130 (restaurant) or 360-317-7178

No more voting on the ferry; Districts remain unchanged
Full membership to vote if changes to districts or board make-up proposed

After hearing from the membership at OPALCO open house events, the Board approved a number of the changes to the election process that were proposed by a volunteer Member Review Committee. Beginning in 2017, all voting will be by electronic (online) or mail-in ballot. The era of voting on the boat is over in order to have a more substantive and informational annual meeting on the ferry. Voting districts will remain as they stand and members will continue to vote in every election, not by district.

“At the Open House events,” said Vince Dauciunas, Board President, “we heard loud and clear from our members: ‘one member: one vote’ across all districts. On the issue of equity in voting districts, the membership appears to be divided. We will continue to study this issue and give members ample opportunity to participate in the discussion.”

The Board reached consensus on a number of changes to the election process, as outlined below in brief:

• Institute more member information meetings during the year.
• Stagger the terms from each voting district (rather than electing all directors from each district during the same year), so that almost all members vote each year on at least one director position.
• Create a standing Elections and Governance Committee to oversee board nominations and provide ongoing reviews of board compensation, bylaws and election process.
• Adjust the elections timeline to provide more time for nominating directors by petition and update the required number of petition signers from 15 to 20.
• Adopt a series of clarifying “housekeeping” changes to the provisions of the Bylaws that relate to elections. These proposed bylaw amendments will be voted on at the November board meeting.

During the regular board meeting, the Board set the date of the Annual Meeting for Saturday, May 6th and the close of elections for Thursday, May 4th at 10:00 am PST.

A more detailed account of the election changes is posted at www.opalco.com/news. Detailed materials from board meetings, results of the recent Open House events and the Committee’s full report and recommendations are available in OPALCO’s Resource Library online: https://www.opalco.com/resource-library.

Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) is our member-owned cooperative electric utility, serving more than 11,000 members on 20 islands in San Juan County. OPALCO provides electricity that is 95% greenhouse-gas free and is generated predominantly by hydroelectric plants. OPALCO was founded in 1937.

A fun, casual, Take a Dog, Take a Jog event will happen on Sunday and Monday, October 30th and 31st, 2:30-4:30pm, along Weber Road starting at the parking lot of Skagit Valley College San Juan Center.

Local high school student, Angela Hoke, developed, and is hosting this event in collaboration with The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor, Skagit Valley College San Juan Center, and the Port of Friday Harbor. She would like to invite the island community to support our local animal shelter.

Come visit for a simple 1 mile walk or jog, with or without a dog, and optional costumes (canine and human), along Weber Road Suggested participation donation of $15 is appreciated. For more information contact Angela Hoke, (772)-919-1230, or visit www.apsfh.com.

Spring Street International School Presents:

A Little Night Music

with Pianist Grisha Krivchenia

A concert featuring seasonal works for piano, including Beethoven’s haunting “Moonlight” sonata.

Saturday, October 29, 7pm
Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church
425 Spring Street

Donations gratefully accepted in support of arts programming at Spring Street International School

“First Responders”: Fire Chief Brad Creasy, County Councilman Bob Jarman, Sheriff Ron Krebbs, EMS Chief Jerry Martin, and FH Grange Program Chairman – Contributed photo

On October 20, Friday Harbor Grange #225 hosted a reception in honor of First Responders at the Mullis Center. All Sheriff Department, Fire Department and Emergency Services personnel were invited to attend. County Councilman Bob Jarman read a proclamation declaring October 20 as First Responders Appreciation Day:

• Whereas, San Juan County’s first responders include law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who bravely and selflessly risk their lives every day to protect property and the lives of residents and visitors alike, and;
• Whereas, San Juan County’s First Responders, many of whom are volunteers, do not hesitate to risk their own lives in order to save the lives of others every hour of every day;
• Whereas, the commitment of First Responders to continued training, skill enhancement and interagency coordination make them vital members of the Islands community;
• Whereas, First Responders go beyond the call of duty to educate the public through health and safety programs;
• Whereas, First Responders act as positive role models for our youth, promoting personal responsibility and encouraging constructive life-choices;
• Whereas, San Juan County residents may rest easy in the knowledge that their well-being is guarded by dedicated individuals, the Council encourages citizens to express their appreciation, and so…
• Therefore, let it be proclaimed by the San Juan County Council that October 20, 2016 if First Responders Appreciation Day.

Townsend’s Big-eared Bat – Wolf Hollow photo

This is from Wolf Hollow’s “Hollow Happenings”

With Halloween just around the corner, our minds may be on ghosts and haunted houses full of bats hanging in dark attics. What better time of year to celebrate Bat Appreciation Month? These often misunderstood flying mammals are much more helpful than many people realize.

Bats are responsible for chowing down on a huge number of irritating insects – eating up to as much as their own body weight in insects nightly. It may not seem like much, but can add up to thousands of insects every night! Bats love to eat mosquitoes, gnats, moths, and fruit flies – all common insects that tend to be very bothersome to most people. (continue reading this story and more at this link)