Rene Bibaud – Contributed photo

This Wednesday, July 6 at 1:30 PM, the San Juan Island Library Presents Rene Bibaud’s Ropeworks Show, held on the grounds of Friday Harbor Elementary School.

Rene is a performance artist and former coach with the world-famous Cirque Du Soleil Troupe. She combines her skills as a professional rope jumper, educator, entertainer and athlete to create a dynamic interactive program for children of all ages. Her spectacular performance is not to be missed.

Please bring blankets and chairs for seating and watch for parking signs due to construction at the school. Friday Harbor Elementary School is located at 95 Grover Street. Call the Library at 378-2798 for more information, or visit www.sjlib.org.

Wednesday Afternoon Performances are part of the Library’s Summer Reading Program. All performances are free and open to the public thanks to funding from the Friends of the San Juan Island Library.

Loren Johnson photo

Loren Johnson reports on vandalism…

On July 3, fourteen “Save EMS” signs were pulled from their privately approved locations and left on the grounds of Friday Harbor High School. Candidate signs in nearby locations were undisturbed. Fortunately, most of the signs have been salvaged and returned to their previous locations.

We are saddened that this appears to be a selective effort to suppress civil discourse about a subject that means so much to our community, and we will continue to advocate for the survival San Juan EMS.

Loren Johnson, Chair, and Rebecca K. Smith, Treasurer
VoteYesforEMS2016.com

In case you missed it, here are some shots of the fireworks over Friday Harbor this July 4th. Click any thumbnail below to enlarge.

[Show slideshow]

What a great day for a parade. The weather turned out great and then just about whole island showed up to line the street and watch the parade go by.

(click any thumbnail to enlarge) Continue Reading

Well Fellow Film Buffs,

The second week of our film series confirmed that there are a lot of people here who appreciate independent films. The audience of over 100 laughed out loud (LOL for your hipper folks) at “Meet the Patels”. We hope to see all of you at the Community Theatre this coming Tuesday at 7:30 pm – and bring a friend. If you haven’t already purchased one, punch cards are available at the Theatre Box Office. Punch cards good for 10 admissions are $55 and can be shared. As a special inducement, folks under 25 can purchase a punch card for only $35. Single admissions are available for $8.

We encourage you to “make a night of it” by enjoying dinner and movie with friends. Two more restaurants have agreed to special pre-theatre prices during the film series. Here are your choices:

1. The Bluff at Friday Harbor House. A completely redone interior and menu. The new chef comes from The Willows Inn on Lummi Island, considered among the 10 best restaurants in the United States. Punch card holders get 10% off the entire food bill each Tuesday during the film series.
2. Coho. Make a reservation between 5:00 and 5:45 and get dinner for two for $70 including a bottle of wine! Each person receives soup, salad, choice between two entrees, and homemade ice cream or sorbet. (Other entrees available at slightly higher price.)
3. Vinny’s Ristorante continues offering 10% off your entire food bill when you show your punch card or ticket. This offer is available every Tuesday during the Film Series.

Here’s a description of the next film:

July 5, 7:30 pm
Amy (2015) Rated R (for language and drug material) 128 minutes

Amy presents the story of British singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse, whose 2006 album, Back to Black, catapulted her to widespread fame and critical acclaim. Intense media scrutiny and problems with alcohol led to a downward spiral and to her tragic death in 2011 at the age of 27.

The film includes Winehouse footage and performance clips and interviews with friends, family members and collaborators. Whether you’re a serious fan or merely knew her music in passing, “Amy” will make you see the woman and the artist through fresh, sad eyes. Oscar nomination for Best Documentary.

Facing from left – Commissioners Michael Edwards, Bill Williams, Monica Harrington and Mark Schwinge. Commissioner Barbara Sharp attended by phone – Contributed photo

Board is Firm on 50 Cent Levy

On June 30th the San Juan County Public Hospital District board adopted a 2017 EMS Budget that affirmed that San Juan EMS must have 50 cents per $1000 in assessed property values to maintain core operations.

Critics have advised voters to disapprove the 50 cent levy on the theory that the board will be forced to sponsor a 35 cent levy in November. Now we know that this “last chance scenario” is false, and more importantly it’s a formula for disaster.

Waiting until November won’t change the facts, and it won’t change the levy. All it will do is further destabilize the agency and make it more difficult to retain its critical staff.

Our elected leaders have done their duty to evaluate community needs, improve operational efficiencies and verify the level of funding required to maintain EMS as an essential public service. They understand the risk in sponsoring a ballot measure that requires 60% of the vote and they have placed their trust in the electorate to make the right decision.

Save EMS, vote Yes for Proposition 1.

Loren Johnson, MD
Chair, Vote Yes for San Juan EMS 2016, Campaign Committee

Spruce and Pine are this week’s Pets of the Week – Contributed photo

Hello Friday Harbor! We are Spruce and Pine. If you think we’re cute, wait until you meet our brothers! There are six of us all together and we’re looking for our forever and ever homes.

Our interests include, but are not limited to romping, wrestling, chasing toys and climbing on things. We’re also very big on napping, cuddling and purring. We’ll probably like you too!

Come to the animal shelter soon to meet us!

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

This was enough fun when it originally posted 3 years ago that it seemed like a good idea to post it again. Enjoy…

This is what happens on Front Street when the ferries come and go. A production of Dustrude Photography done for the San Juan Update. Three days of shooting from many different angles and three different ferries coming and going. A little music from Freeplaymusic.com, some editing in Adobe Premiere and and it’s ready for prime time.

Many thanks to Lakedale Resort and their Ferry Landing Suites, and Friday’s Crabhouse for the overhead shot locations. Click the icon in the lower right corner to see it full screen. And maybe click on the gear icon too and set it to HD at 1080p for the best quality.

Facing from left – Commissioners Michael Edwards, Bill Williams, Monica Harrington and Mark Schwinge. Commissioner Barbara Sharp attended by phone – Contributed photo

Loren Johnson, MD, Chair of the Vote Yes for San Juan EMS 2016 Campaign Committee shares this…

On June 30th the San Juan County Public Hospital District board adopted a 2017 EMS Budget that affirmed that San Juan EMS must have 50 cents per $1000 in assessed property values to maintain core operations.

Critics have advised voters to disapprove the 50 cent levy on the theory that the board will be forced to sponsor a 35 cent levy in November. Now we know that this “last chance scenario” is false, and more importantly it’s a formula for disaster.

Waiting until November won’t change the facts, and it won’t change the levy. All it will do is further destabilize the agency and make it more difficult to retain its critical staff.

Our elected leaders have done their duty to evaluate community needs, improve operational efficiencies and verify the level of funding required to maintain EMS as an essential public service. They understand the risk in sponsoring a ballot measure that requires 60% of the vote and they have placed their trust in the electorate to make the right decision.
Save EMS, vote Yes for Proposition 1.

Michelle Loftus shares this notice with you…

Washington State Governor Candidate Bill Bryant(R) will be visiting Friday Harbor on Tuesday July 12th. Mr. Bryant is familiar with San Juan Island from many previous visits. As Seattle Port Commissioner he will appreciate our island’s busy season as our local ports are providing peak service.

Mr. Bryant has specific plans to promote education, conservation, transportation and economic solutions for Washington State. Mr. Bryant is attracting support from republicans and democrats as seen at his recent “Kick Off Rally” in Tacoma. A public “Meet and Greet” will be scheduled at 2:00 PM at the Cannery Landing near San Juan Coffee.

Find more information about Mr. Bryant at www.billbryantforgovernor.com or visit his Facebook page. Support provided by San Juan County Republicans.

Represent the Friday Harbor Film Festival in the 4th of July parade! Join the fun! There is room for riders in the FHFF truck, and we need walkers to pass out FHFF magnets and greet the crowd.

How Do You Participate?

1. Stop by the Friday Harbor Film Festival office, this Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (July 1-3, 2016), from noon to 5:00 pm.
2. Pick up your stylish new FHFF t-shirt to wear to the 4th of July Parade.
3. Our office is located at 10 First St. Friday Harbor, corner of First and West. Lynn Danaher will be in the office to assist you.
4. Check in with the Friday Harbor Film Festival group for the parade on the morning of the 4th at 9:00 am near M&W Auto Sales.

We hope you will stop by the office in the next few days, and think you will be amazed at the new look our space has now. We are looking forward to seeing our wonderful volunteers once again! Thank you for your help and support!

If you want to help and can’t get to the office before the parade date, please give Lynn a call at 360-472-1050.
Questions may also be emailed to: volunteers [@] fhff.org.

One of the views from the top of Mount Grant – Tim Dustrude photo

SJ Preservation Trust shares this update on Mount Grant…

Quick: From what publicly accessible high point in the San Juan Islands can you see three of Washington’s five volcanoes?

If you guessed Mount Constitution, guess again. The answer is Mount Grant Preserve on San Juan Island. The sweeping 360-degree views from Mount Grant’s summit take in volcanoes Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and Glacier Peak, plus postcard-worthy vistas of the surrounding islands, the Olympic Mountains, the Cascades, Canada’s Gulf Islands, and lots more.

It’s the most spectacular payoff from a one-mile hike (two miles round-trip) that you’ll find anywhere in San Juan County—a true hidden gem that no islander or visitor should miss.

The Preserve is open 7 days a week for hiking, and you can also drive to the top during this summer’s “Sundays at the Summit,” held each Sunday from noon til 6 p.m. through September.

Save these dates for two special Summit Sundays coming up in July:

• Plein Air Art Day, July 24 – Watch fine artists capture the Preserve’s beauty on their easels.
• All Islands Day, July 31 – Come one, come ALL islanders to this special day on the mountain. Free shuttles to Mount Grant Preserve will meet walk-ons in Friday Harbor from the 11:20 a.m. arriving interisland ferry. Once at the Preserve, hike or take a ride to the top, where you’ll find refreshments and entertainment.

Mount Grant Preserve is a very special 131-acre property that is being acquired for public enjoyment thanks to a partnership between the San Juan Preservation Trust and the San Juan County Land Bank. The summit is one of just a few destinations in the islands, and the only one on San Juan Island, that combine breathtaking views with drive-up accessibility.

A campaign to raise $4.2 million to purchase the land and maintain the Preserve in perpetuity is entering its final stage. Raised so far: $3.25 million. Thanks to the generosity of five island families, a $500,000 matching fund has been established. Every dollar donated during this final phase of the Campaign for Mount Grant Preserve will be matched 1:1! This means the Campaign still needs $450,000 to ensure the preservation of this island gem forever. Help us reach the top! Donate at sjpt.org/MountGrant.

The soccer field at left, the multi-use field center background, and the playground to the right of the clubhouse – SJ Update photo

There’s a lot of progress happening over there at the new ball fields at the north end of Carter Avenue. Did you know the official name is “John O. Linde Community Park”? Earlier this year, the school district and Island Rec put together a naming committee that came up with a list of potential names for the place, and the school board chose to recognize John O. Linde who was instrumental in Friday Harbor athletics and in getting this project started.

Paving the perimeter trail – SJ Update photo

On Tuesday of this week, the pavers were there laying down the asphalt trail around the soccer and softball fields. This is a portion of what eventually will be a multi-use trail, suitable for walking or biking, and when completed (hopefully in the Fall of 2017), it will run the entire circumference of the park. Work is also in progress on the playground and work will start this week on re-construction of the football/multi-use field.

This fall, the playground will be completed and Island Rec will hold a naming ceremony to officially recognize the new name of the park. They expect the first use of the Soccer Field to be this fall, and the first use of the Softball field to be in the spring of 2017.

Funds are still being raised to complete the baseball field but the hope is that we will be able to have our first practices and games by spring of 2018.

Click to enlarge

Kevin Roth’s Yellow Submarine – Tuckerhouse B&B photo

You’re singing it now, aren’t you?

This is from a post on the Tuckerhouse B&B blog that we’d love to share…

San Juan Island “Trash to Treasures” artist Kevin Roth has erected a whimsical tribute to the Beatles at the former site of his West Side Free Pile. The grand Yellow Submarine stands behind a memorial bench to beloved islander John Buck, creating a great photo op.

The Yellow Submarine is composed of 99% recycled materials (yellow paint was the only new purchase) and yes, that’s a Weber barbecue serving as the bow. The body is made of fuel tanks of all sorts: diesel fuel tanks, home heating oil tanks, pressure tanks, well system tanks, outboard motor gas tanks, propane tanks… (continue reading for more photos)

Photograph by Joan Benney with Sylvie Davidson as Juliet and Therese Diekhans as the Nurse

Star-crossed lovers and civil brawls will grace the Island Stage Left stages on this, its eighteenth year of “Shakespeare Under the Stars”. This summer will showcase the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet – a timeless story of young love, hot blood and destiny.

As ISL continues the professional quality for which it is known, it will celebrate some of Shakespeare’s most breathtaking and unforgettable characters.

Opening July 6th on tour at Doe Bay Resort on Orcas Island
Lopez Island Vineyards on July 8 and 9
Shaw Island Community Center on July 10

On San Juan Island:
Roche Harbor Outdoor Theatre July 14- 31
1062 Wold Rd Aug 5 – 21

Seating is provided at Roche and at Wold, but bring blankets and dress warmly!
No tickets or reservations. Seating on a first come basis. Admission free. Donations appreciated. Suggested donation of $20.
Late comers will be turned away for the sake of our audience.

Jim Perez, MD, joins medical team at PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center

Jim Perez, MD – Mark Turner photo

Jim Perez, MD, has joined the medical staff at PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center in Friday Harbor. A board certified emergency medicine physician, Perez becomes the tenth member of Peace Island’s team of emergency medicine physicians, which staffs the Emergency department around the clock, seven days a week.

Perez has a unique background that blends 28 years’ experience in emergency medicine with 21 years in law enforcement and frequent international humanitarian service trips. Most recently, he was an emergency medicine physician at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham.

He also has served as a tactical SWAT medic, reserve law enforcement officer, reserve deputy sheriff, and medical program director of Emergency Medical Services in Yakima County. Additionally, he has completed many medical missions to remote areas of Central America.

“I strive to treat all patients like they are family,” he says, “and I enjoy spending as much time as I can to educate patients about their disease process.”

Perez looks forward to his new life on San Juan Island, where he hopes to spend more time hiking, camping, reading and creating memories with family. He has four children and six grandchildren.