Salish Sea Ballet invites dancers to perform on stage at the San Juan County Fair in August. No experience necessary. Rehearsals for ages 7 and up take place on Thursdays, 4:00-5:30 pm at the Salish Sea Ballet studio (689 Airport Center). We will perform original choreography based on this yearʼs theme: “Barn And Raised In The Islands”.

Dancers ages 3-6 are invited to attend our Carnival of Animals camp (August 8-12) to explore the animal kingdom through movement and art. During camp, we will learn choreography inspired by local island animals. After camp, dancers have the option to join the dance company on stage at the County Fair.

Salish Sea Ballet offers a variety of dance camps and classes that inspire children to explore multiple dance genres and engage in movement, craft, and educational activities. The registration deadline for our Storybook Ballet Camp for ages 7-9 is next Monday, July 4th. Sign up now to reserve your spot! Register on our website. Summer dancers receive a free Summer Dance Program T-shirt!

About Salish Sea Ballet
Salish Sea Ballet is the pre-professional ballet school of the San Juan Islands. Our mission is to engage and inspire dancers of all ages while providing high quality technical and artistic instruction in classical and contemporary dance for ages 3-adult.

Contact:
Jeanne Marie Peihl, Studio Owner & Artistic Director
dance [@] salishseaballet.com
360.298.1720

From the way-back machine… a newspaper ad for the Rumor Mill way back in 2010

The Rumor Mill, Friday Harbor’s only live music dinner venue, is celebrating its 6th anniversary on July 3rd. Peggy & Oren have a great celebration weekend lined up with fun music, great food & satisfying libations.

Start the weekend off right on Friday evening with San Juan Island’s Surf Cowboy, dancing to classic rock covers with some surf music & country thrown in for good measure. Saturday night sees the return of Seattle spaced out cats, the High Council, exploring the boundaries of melody and groove, drawing on elements of Reggae, Rock, Jazz & Psychedelia. Sunday will mellow out somewhat with Ian McFeron & Alisa Milner, an Americana folk duo from Seattle. Ian played the Rumor Mill the first week it opened in 2010, and has been back to help celebrate the Rumor Mill’s anniversary every year since. Ian has island roots, he is part of the Nash family, so it will be great to have them back home.

Hungry? Fresh in from local waters, Orcas Island Buck Bay Clams, local fresh sockeye salmon, & Dungeness crab. Celebrate the July 4th weekend with featured burgers, cod & chips, BBQ and pizza, all perfect fare for a fun relaxing weekend.

Twenty four draft taps should make sure you don’t go away thirsty. Continue Reading

We’re having a party! The San Juan Community Home Trust invites you to join us at the Brickworks for our 4th annual Fiesta San Juan, Sunday, July 17th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

We are serving up Margaritas, Food, and Music for your enjoyment, Dancing for some fun and exercise, and Live and Silent Auction items to satisfy your wish for adventure, whether athletic, gastronomic, artistic or utilitarian.

Music will be provided by Lopez Island’s Los Hermanos, known throughout northwest Washington for their rhythm, musical expertise and wide range of music, from Merengue and Salsa to Son and Cha Cha. They will provide the music and you can provide the dancing.

The Fiesta is the Home Trust’s yearly fundraiser and our party to celebrate the year, and to thank the community for its support. We are almost half way done with our newest development of permanently affordable homes, Sun Rise II. This neighborhood, composed of houses barged over from Victoria, B.C. and refurbished by our local contractor, will add 12 residences to San Juan Island for working people and families who call the island “home”.

Ticket prices are $35.00 for adults, $15.00 for children under 18 Tickets are available at the Saturday Farmers Market, from Home Trust Board Members, and at the Home Trust Office at 435-C Argyle Ave, or by phone to the Home Trust at 378-5541.

In San Juan County we have various choices before us as voters, coming up in the primary election. To keep us informed, the League of Women Voters of the San Juans is holding the following forums for the public. Election day is August 2, 2016 and the ballots will be mailed out by the Elections Office on approximately July 15.

• Orcas Island – July 5, 5:30 p.m. at the Fire Station in Eastsound.
• San Juan Island – July 6, 11:30 a.m. at the Grange in Friday Harbor.
• Lopez Island – July 6, 5:00 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church

All three forums will include the five County Commissioner candidates running for one seat. The Friday Harbor forum will start with the EMS levy, followed by the Commissioner Candidates. We will have approximately 60 minutes for questions and answers with as many live questions from the audience as time allows.

Out of respect for the audience’s time and for the speakers, the moderator will move the program along, insure compliance with time limits, and maintain order throughout.

The League of Women Voters of the San Juans, has worked to strengthen democracy and bring the community non-partisan voter information and forums for more than 20 years.

Mmmmmmm! A Pancake Breakfast at the Mullis Center!

Sunday, July 3rd from 9:00 am till noon.

$6.00 Adults
$4.00 Children Under 10

Eggs, bacon and all the pancakes you can eat!

Here’s a reminder from the County: Burn Permits Expire June 30th & Fireworks Illegal

The warm weather at the end of June brings with it the end to outdoor yard debris burning throughout San Juan County, all burn permits expire on June 30th. Both larger land clearing piles and ten foot diameter yard cleanup burn piles will be prohibited until October when permits will again be available.

Recreational fires up to two feet in diameter, in an approved burn ring, will be permitted during the summer, as the fire danger allows. An approved burn ring will have some sort of containment such as a rock ring and be cleared to mineral earth an additional two feet outside the fire ring. Be sure to have a garden hose or water available at all times and make sure the fire is completely out before leaving it unattended. Watch for changes in local fire danger, you’ll see signs poster around the county indicating the current threat. When the fire danger is very high even recreational fire s may be prohibited.

The Fourth of July will be here soon and spectacular fireworks shows are scheduled around the county. But remember, these are the only fireworks permitted. Personal fireworks are illegal in San Juan County.

Thank you for keeping our community safe over the holiday weekend and for being responsible in outdoor burning throughout the year.

FH Chamber Music Festival June 29, July 1 & 3

The second annual Friday Harbor Chamber Music Festival, played by Northwest professionals and featuring the best of local composers and performers, returns to San Juan Community Theatre on Wednesday and Friday, June 29 and July 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 3 at 2:00 pm.

Island cellist Sasha von Dassow – a former member of the Florida Orchestra and music director and conductor of the North Port Symphony – created the annual Friday Harbor Chamber Music Festival last year, with a goal “to provide a chamber music experience that brings full length, professional performances of great standard and new works to San Juan Island.”

Sasha von Dassow – Contributed Photo

This year’s festival grows to three performances (and a Night Music in the Gubelman Theatre on June 30) with a mix of pieces from the greats like Beethoven, Handel, and Brahms to pieces by Island composers Alex Shapiro and Grisha Krivchenia on the program on Friday, July 1, also featuring popular island clarinetist, Sue Collado. The final concert on Sunday, July 3, with tenor Todd Wilander, will feature seldom heard pieces by Vaughan-Williams and Finzi and will being the week to a close with patriotic songs and a singalong.

Each of the festival performances will be completely different, highlighting returning performers pianist Charles Enlow of Shoreline College; violinist Cecilia Archuleta of Seattle’s Northwest Sinfonietta; violist Eileen Swanson of the Pacific NW Ballet Orchestra; and clarinetist Sue Collado of Friday Harbor. Joining the festival this year is violinist Eugene Bazhanov, known to Seattle audiences for his performances on Teatro Zinzani; and from California is operatic tenor Todd Wilander who has performed several times for The Metropolitan Opera.

The Business Partner for the festival is Kings Market. Tickets for each concert are $22 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.

State Senator Kevin Ranker and State Representative Kris Lytton joined San Juan County Democrats on June 21st for the grand opening of Democracy Place, the county party’s 2016 election headquarters.

Located at 335 Argyle Ave. in Friday Harbor under the big, new red, white and blue sign, Democracy Place is staffed by local party volunteers and is open daily except Wednesdays from 11 am to 3 pm until the November general election.

Campaign materials for Democratic and non-partisan candidates in the August primary and the November general election will be available along with platform information, yard signs, buttons, etc. Everyone is welcome to stop by and talk politics!

Democrats and independents are encouraged to march with the San Juan County Democrats in the July 4 parade, either at the beginning of the parade route or at any point along Spring Street.

Dr. Kurt J. Schwalbe will be giving an all day workshop Saturday July 9th on the Heart Sutra at Sakya Kachod Choling Buddhist retreat center at 865 Bullfrog Rd. (at the top of Mt Dallas) on San Juan Island from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm with a lunch break from noon – 2:00 pm. Lunch will be available from the Gonpa kitchen for $5.00. The workshop is free but donations are always appreciated.

“The Heart Sutra is perhaps the most famous and well loved Buddhist scripture, recited daily by many people around the world. Although it contains the foundational Buddhist teachings in a very short form, many people find it quite puzzling. As we unravel its meaning and seek its origin, we will look at the sutra’s function in Buddhist literature as both philosophy and an object of meditation. We will also consider the viewpoints of several modern commentators who have interpreted the Sutra with the help of the classical Indian and Tibetan commentaries from the Tibetan Canon.”

Please call for more information at 378-4059 or email: skc [@] rockisland.com. If coming from off-island pick up at the ferry will be provided.

Sakya Kachod Choling Buddhist Retreat Center – Contributed Photo

This July marks one year of successful operation in Friday Harbor for Danielle Wheeler at Electrolysis San Juan, LLC.

Danielle holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio University and completed her Electrolysis Certification in Seattle at Washington Women’s Anti-Aging Clinic. She continued her education by working under Allison Lance in Friday Harbor as an electrolysis apprentice. In July 2015, Danielle purchased Allison’s business (which was called Electrolysis By Allison) and changed the name to Electrolysis San Juan, LLC.

Electrolysis is the only method of hair removal recognized by the American Medical Association and the FDA for safe, effective, and permanent results. Electrolysis can be performed on all hair types and colors (even blonde and gray hairs).

Electrolysis San Juan, LLC specializes in permanently removing hair from women’s lip and chin but offers permanent hair removal services for most areas of the body regardless of gender. No need to go to the mainland to have this specialized service performed by an experienced and thoughtful electrologist with the latest technology. You are covered in Friday Harbor!

Electrolysis San Juan, LLC is the exclusive provider of electrolysis permanent hair removal treatment in San Juan County. It is located in the Guard Electric building on Mullis Street, just next to Mirabella Skin Care and San Juan Wireless. Appointments are available Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00am to 4:30pm (as well as Sunday by request).

As a member of the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce and a supporter of local causes, Electrolysis San Juan, LLC is proud to be an active member of the Friday Harbor community and looks forward to many more prosperous years helping people.

If you would like more information about a complimentary electrolysis consultation, or if your school, non-profit, or good cause would like a gift certificate from Electrolysis San Juan for your next fundraiser, please reach out to Danielle Wheeler at (360) 298-4068 or via www.electrosj.com.

Matt Baker brings his Comedy Stunt Show to the island – Contributed photo

The San Juan Island Library Presents: Wednesday Afternoon Performance with Matt Baker

This Wednesday, June 29 at 1:30 PM it’s the Matt Baker Comedy Stunt Show, held on the grounds of Friday Harbor Elementary School.

Matt is a five-time Guinness World Record holder, and hip comedic performer with a fast-paced show full of audience participation. He has appeared on Tosh.0, America’s Got Talent, and Last Comic Standing.

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.

Bowie is this week’s Pet of the Week – Contributed photo

Did someone say, “ride in the car”? I could swear I heard someone say that…

My name is Bowie and if you are planning on going for a ride in the car, I would like very much to join you! Now would be the perfect time. Just pull up in front of the animal shelter and honk your horn!

I’m also happy to join you for walks, hikes, snack time, sofa-snuggling and play time too.  I love, love, love people of all ages and get along great with dogs and cats too.

I would sure love to find my own home and can’t figure out why nobody has adopted me yet. Let’s hop in that car of yours and go for a ride!

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

Here’s a note from St. David’s in the mailbag this morning…

Just a brief note to let folks know that, although our third session of Camp Curiosity is full, we still have a few openings in our Morning Preschool program this fall for children from 3-5 years of age.

Our curriculum engages children in active discovery. The 3-year-old children are able to explore, create, connect, and grow. Older children are introduced to readiness skills for reading and math through age-appropriate activities. Our goal is to prepare children to be emotionally, socially, behaviorally, and academically successful in Kindergarten.

For more information parents can go to our website and use the links or the pull down menu for “DAY SCHOOL,” or contact Head Teacher Margaret Barker at 360-298-4161.

Scholarship assistance is available to families with limited financial resources. Please discuss your individual needs with our staff.

David Bentley,
Parish Administrator

Larry Soll of the Summer Film Series shares this note with you…

Well Fellow Film Buffs,

The first week of our film series was a great success.  Our audience of about 75 gave “Mustang” a warm and empathetic reception.  This week’s film “Meet the Patels” is definitely lighter and more upbeat.  I think you will enjoy it. The curtain goes up at the Community Theatre this Tuesday at 7:30 pm!  We hope to see all of you there – 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.

Also, we encourage you to “make a night of it” by enjoying dinner and movie with friends.  Vinny’s Ristorante  is 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 is a description of our next film:

June 28, 7:30 pm

Meet the Patels (2015)  PG  88 Minutes
This film is a laugh-out-loud real life romantic comedy about Ravi Patel, an almost-30-year-old Indian-American who enters a love triangle between the woman of his dreams … and his parents. Filmed by Ravi’s sister in what started as a family vacation video, this hilarious and heartbreaking film reveals how love is a family affair. Fresh out of a breakup with his secret white girlfriend, who his parents knew nothing about, and freaked out that he’s almost 30 and single, Ravi goes on a family vacation to India with his head and heart spinning.

Ravi is willing to do whatever it takes to find love—but there’s one tricky detail to consider: In his family, everyone has the last name Patel. Patels marry other Patels. It’s not incest, it means they are from the same 50-square mile radius in India. Struck with how overwhelmingly happy the marriages are of his Patel family and friends, Ravi enters a fool-proof Patel matchmaking system and embarks on a worldwide search for another American Patel just like him.

See Trailer here.

Elementary school students participated in the 2016 Bookmark Contest to help kick off the San Juan Island Library’s Summer Reading Program, On Your Mark, Get Set, READ!

The winners for each grade level are:

• Kindergarten – Penelope Moore of Friday Harbor Elementary School
• 1st Grade – Lillian Aldous of Friday Harbor Elementary School
• 2nd Grade – Georgia Vanderyacht of Paideia Classical
• 3rd Grade – Lila Horne of Friday Harbor Elementary School
• 4th Grade – Mckenna Clark of Friday Harbor Elementary School
• 5th Grade – Lupita Soto of Friday Harbor Elementary School
• 6th Grade – Dexter Prescott of Friday Harbor Elementary School

“Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all the students who participated,” said Melina Lagios, Youth Services Manager at San Juan Island Library. “This is a fun contest and I’m always thrilled to see how talented and creative the students get with their designs.”

The winning bookmarks have been reproduced to be distributed as bookmarks at the Library. They are free for the public to take home. All the bookmark entries from grades Kindergarten through 6th are currently on display in the Children’s Area at the San Juan Island Library.

The Bookmark Contest is sponsored by the San Juan Island Library and the Friends of the San Juan Island Library with community support from Sally Waite, Friday Harbor Elementary School, Paideia Classical, Stillpoint School, home schooling families, Giffin Bay Bookstore and Printronix.

Click below to see their work…

[Show slideshow]

San Juan Island Historical Scavenger Hunt

Here’s a fun way to explore San Juan Island this summer, and perhaps win a cool prize for your family at the same time! San Juan Historical Society and Museum, in partnership with Ernie’s Café, is sponsoring a Historical Scavenger Hunt, with the prize winners being drawn on October 1, 2016.

This Hunt takes you off the usual tourism paths and deeper into the history of San Juan Island. There are eight sites (GPS provided in brochure), and every one provides an opportunity to learn about a different aspect of the history of the island. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, snap some pics and imagine the stories each spot could tell!

At each location, the Scavenger Hunter will be required to fill in the answers to one or two questions about the spot. When the worksheet in the brochure is completed, submit the form for the chance to win one of these prizes:

• First Prize: $100 gift card from Valmark, which includes Kings Market, Kings Marine, Joe Friday’s and Market Place.
• Second Prize: $50 gift card to Palace Theatre.
• Third Prize: $25 gift certificate to Ernie’s Café.

All locations and form submission information is on the official Scavenger Hunt brochure, which can be found at these locations:

• San Juan Historical Museum
• Ernie’s Café
• Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center

Kevin Loftus
Executive Director