Let’s see what’s in the Update email bag this morning. Here’s a letter from Frank Penwell…

CT has lost its lease and CT will be moving, or closing down over the next 6 months, because the property is going up for sale. For those who want more details:

Press Release:
The Penwell Trust is terminating Community Treasures’ (CT) lease, and then the property CT operates its activities on is going to be sold. CT will have to either move to a new location, or go out of business. That decision is up to the CT Board of Directors to decide.

It is time to celebrate CT’s successes. CT’s conservation activities have provided money and materials to organizations, and those in need for 12 years. I have modeled my beliefs with deeds and actions, and so have all those community spirited people who have faithfully donated items to CT, a 501 C-3 Public Charity. CT has served well over 1000 customers, has given money to over 90 local nonprofit organizations, created local jobs, and was on target to recycle over 500 tons in 2016. We all should remember and celebrate those successes.

I have always been “frank” and have called a spade a spade. This has not always served me well, but at 67 years old I am not about to change. I have fought the County since 1978 on our Roche Harbor Road property’s designation. Most recently, I have spent 12 years developing local boots on the ground conservation activities through CT, and during the last 5+ years CT has experienced numerous hassles and broken County promises that have cost thousands of dollars and caused personal pain and resentment. Continue Reading

Jan Bollwinkel shares some good news from Island Rec…

FAN Supports Island Rec – Contributed Photo

Front row: Jacquelyn Reiff, Deanna Eltinge, Maddie Ovenell, Todd Kromer, Kyle Loring, Yolanda Stegman Back row: Cathy Kromer, David Waldron, Marc Islam, Julie Hanks, Dave Stegman, Jan Bollwinkel-Smith

From helping to sponsor the live music at Music on the Lawn to providing scholarships for swimming and sailing classes to making it easy to pick up after dogs at Island Rec parks, the donors to Families and Neighbors Support Island Rec (FANS) are keeping the programs thriving and expanding.

FANS recently provided Island Rec a check for $5,000—money that has been raised so far this year through the nonprofit group’s annual membership and business drives. FANS plans to provide more money to Island Rec throughout the year; in 2015, fundraising efforts provided an additional $20,000 to Island Rec.

“Support from FANS and its generous donors has been integral to helping us both maintain beloved programs and expand the parks and recreation opportunities on our island,” said Island Rec Director Maddie Ovenell.

FANS donations also support the free Movies in the Park events (there are two remaining this summer at Sunken Park on August 13 and 27); Teen Adventure Camps; and San Juan Island Trails.

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

Community Foundation at the Fair – Contributed Photo

Carrie Unpingo from the Community Foundation invites you to visit the Foundation’s Booth at the Fair…

All Fairgoers are invited to visit the San Juan Island Community Foundation’s Fair booth next week in the main hall to learn about and boost support of eight special community projects. The Community Foundation is pleased to match 50 cents on every dollar raised until each project goal has been reached!

The community projects featured are:

• The New Animal Shelter, Friday Harbor Animal Protection Society
• 25 New Members in the Women’s Fund
• Emergency Rental Assistance, Family Resource Center
• Island Neighbors, Family Resource Center
• Inquisitive Children Succeed, Friday Harbor Elementary School
• Improved Oil Spill Response Time, Islands Oil Spill Association
• Protection for Historic Thresher, San Juan Historical Museum
• Improved Protection for our Marine Environment, San Juan County’s Derelict Vessel Prevention Program

You can contribute by cash, check, or credit card or online at www.sjicf.org. Nonprofit representatives and Community Foundation staff and Board members will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

BONUS! Names of all donors will be entered in a drawing that will be held on the last day of the Fair. The winning person will be invited to designate an additional $1,000 to be awarded to any one of the eight featured projects.

Stop by the Community Foundation booth to say hello, make a donation, or learn about the many services they provide.

A message from Lori Polevoi at PeaceHealth…

To avoid traffic backups of 20 to 45 minutes caused by road work on Spring Street, patients going to PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center in Friday Harbor may use the back entrance to the parking lot off Franklin Drive, which is usually gated.  By using this alternative entrance, patients can avoid frustration and worry about being late to their appointments.

A message from Robert Low the San Juan County Fire Marshal…

Due to current fuel conditions and the long range weather forecast, San Juan County has changed its fire risk status from “MODERATE” to “HIGH”. This will limit burning to recreational fires only.

Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library present an author visit with Carole Estby Dagg on Wednesday, August 10 at 7:00 pm in the Library’s Main Salon…

The Library’s Youth Services Department and Griffin Bay Bookstore are proud to sponsor author Carole Estby Dagg for a discussion and book signing of her latest novel, Sweet Home Alaska, a Community Summer One Read book selection.

Sweet Home Alaska is an exciting pioneering story, based on actual events, introducing readers to a fascinating chapter in American history, when FDR set up a New Deal colony in Alaska to give loans and land to families struggling during the Great Depression.

After careers as a children’s librarian, certified public accountant, and assistant library director, Carole Estby Dagg retired early to do what she had always wanted to do: write. Her first book, The Year We Were Famous, was based on the true story of her great-aunt’s 4,000-mile walk with her mother across the country in 1896.

Her second book, Sweet Home Alaska,  which will be featured on this evening, was inspired when her son bought a 1930’s house across from a potato field in Palmer, Alaska. Following her curiosity about the early days of Palmer, she eventually had a banker’s box full of notes, enough for a book.

This will be a delightful evening appropriate for children, young adults and adults.  It’s free and open to the public.  Refreshments courtesy of the Friends of the San Juan Island Library.

Our thanks to Griffin Bay Bookstore for co-sponsoring this evening with the Youth Services Department of the San Juan Island Library.

We have an update from Tanja Williamson at the Land Bank about the Discover San Juan treasure hunt…

NPS Prize – Contributed Photo

Wow – summer is half over and the county fair is almost here! If you haven’t picked up your Discover San Juan Island kit from the library yet, there’s still time! For those that have already picked up a kit, but haven’t located all the wooden rubbing tiles, don’t fret – two of the three bonus sites will be in the Land Bank / SJI National Historical Park booth during the San Juan County Fair. Stop by the booth and knock out two tiles at once!

For those who have obtained at least nine tile rubbings, return the guidebook to the library to be entered into a prize drawing to be held after Labor Day. Three lucky adventurers have a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Griffin Bay Bookstore; a punch card for five soft serve ice cream cones at The Bait Shop; or an adventure game and kid’s binoculars set from SJI National Historical Park.

Discover San Juan Island is an island wide exploration of environmentally, culturally, and historicaly significant sites. If you have questions, contact Tanja Williamson at the Land Bank: 360-378-4402 or tan jaw (@) sjclandbank (.) org.

From the San Juan Community Theatre…

Our last Night Music of 2016 is THIS Wednesday, August 10 at 7:30 pm.  We’re finishing our popular series with an all women night!  Island songstresses will share their favorite tunes in the intimate Gubelman Theatre.

Featured singers are Cynthia Burke, Laura Chorba, Debbie Nash Strasser, Kira Sable and Susan Williams.  Seating is limited so get your tickets now.

Danielle Wheeler – Contributed Photo

We hear from Becki Day at the Chamber…

You may have noticed the large “ELECTROLYSIS” sign on the Guard Building when driving down Mullis Street, but maybe you didn’t know what “electrolysis” actually meant.

Electrolysis means permanent hair removal, and this amazing technology is available right here in Friday Harbor by Certified Electrologist Danielle Wheeler at Electrolysis San Juan, LLC!

Danielle is the exclusive provider of permanent hair removal treatment in San Juan County. Although she specializes in permanently removing hair from women’s lip and chin, she offers permanent hair removal services for most areas of the body regardless of gender. In addition to lip and chin, common areas of consideration are eyebrows, underarms, ears (especially for the guys), and toes.

Come in and see what all the fuss is about! With fast and simple online booking, complementary consultations, great reviews, state-of-the-art equipment, and incredible permanent hair removal results, Danielle is proud to offer this service in Friday Harbor.

If excess hair is bothering you, electrolysis can help. This procedure will eliminate your unwanted hair and, in the process, give you a new self-confidence. Learn more about Danielle and her unique business at www.electrosj.com.

Contact: Danielle Wheeler (360) 298-4068 info (@) electrosj (.) com
818 Mullis St Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Electrolysis San Juan – Contributed Photo

Dog Portrait – Alan Niles Photo

A message from Jan Murphy at the Animal Shelter…

The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor is accepting donations of artwork for their upcoming Wine Tasting and Art Auction, which will take place Friday, September 16. The animal shelter is looking for original artwork from private individuals and artists, alike. If you have pieces of art that are no longer adorning the walls or shelves of your home, and would like to donate them to help the homeless animals of San Juan Island, please contact Jan Murphy at 378-2158. Your generosity is very-much appreciated!

From the Library…

The San Juan Island Library will be closing from Wednesday August 17 through Saturday August 20 to replace worn flooring.  The current flooring installed in 2005 in the staff work area has simply worn out despite regular maintenance. Funds for the project come from the library’s operating budget, money the library designated for exactly such purposes.

Most items currently on loan will not be due back during the period the library is closed, but if patrons wish to return their items, the drive-thru book drop will remain open.

The website www.sjlib.org will be up, and most of the library’s 24/7 online databases will be available. One thing that will be different is that you will not be able to place requests for Interlibrary loan items from Tuesday August 16 through Sunday August 21.

Library Director Laurie Orton said, “Some of our regulars are worried about what they’ll do during the closure. I tell them, ‘Just stock up on books and movies before we close, and bring everything back after we reopen with durable, safe floors.’”

While the library is closed, the library WiFi hotspot should continue to be available, so if you visit the library for WiFi, you should be able to work from your vehicle in the parking lot.

Come visit us inside the Fair Building for DIY arts and craft programs and book talks during the Fair. A separate Library Fair Schedule at the Fair is available so you won’t miss our popular Make a Book program or the fun Make Book Earrings workshops. Plus, each day we will offer “Book Talks” recommending great books by local authors or about San Juan County at the Historical Society’s nearby Pioneer Cabin. All library programs at the Fair are free after admission.

Great Blue Heron at Sunset – Aaron Shepard Photo

Thanks to Aaron Shepard for this photo. To see more of Aaron’s photography link to his blog: Islanders Eye.

A reminder from the Friends of the Library… 

The annual Friends of the Library Book Fair is this weekend, August 12 and 13. On Friday, August 12th is our special presale for members only from 6:30-8:30. Not a member? You can also join on Friday evening in order to participate in that special sale.

On Saturday, August 13th , from 10-4 will be our Book Fair both in an outside the library.  Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the library.

In addition to our book sale will be special events and vendors. Jewelry sale at our Treasure Cove tent, fresh flowers with vases, snack items such as hot dogs, popcorn, sweets and water, musical entertainment, face painting and inside, silent auction items and three local guest speakers.

This is the Friend’s major fundraiser of the year.  Helping to support the FOL is helping to support the library.  Many of the library’s programs, special events, materials and supplies are supported by financial help from the Friends.

We have over a 1000 books!

The Mullis Center sent us a reminder of the Annual Parking Lot Sale coming up Saturday August 13, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm…

Mullis Center Parking Lot Sale

There is still time to reserve your spot for the Mullis Center’s Annual Parking Lot Sale.  One space $25.00 Two spaces $40.00

Or, would you like to get rid of your dusty treasures that are taking up space? Donate them to the Mullis Center by this Friday.

Thanks to Merri Ann Simonson for sending us this entertaining and informative video from her series, San Juan Island Lifestyle Tips. Merri Ann is a managing broker and sales manager with Coldwell Banker…

Tips on Shrimping by Merri Ann Simonson