Flyer for Event – Click to Enlarge

Here’s a call out to serious yoga practitioners, professional yoga teachers or any movement experts. Katerina Wen, M. Ed. RYT., Dipl. Hom., is leading in-depth practice every Sunday in June, 2016, 9:00 – 11:00 am at XYZ Movement Arts, 689 Airport Center Road.

Learn the skill of tuning your body like a musician tuning a precious instrument. This series offers the gem-like experience that will enrich your life with strength, grace and beauty. There is more power and energy than you realize within physical body. These classes will help you to tap into that power.

“Movement is life, but there is a big difference between a basic physical workout and moving in harmony with your heart and soul,” says Katerina. Her teachings are steeped in contemplative awareness of nature, and wonder at the universe and its forces of creation. Her work dictates a luminous aspiration that invites the students’ attention inwards upon what is mysterious and most important in life. Continue Reading

San Juan Community Theatre’s next On Book! Readers Theatre production is  Thursday, May 26 at 7:30 pm, featuring a dark drama written by Johnna Addams: Gidion’s Knot.

Over the course of a parent/teacher conference, a mother and teacher have a fraught conversation about the mother’s son, Gidion, who committed suicide. Was he bullied severely or was he the abuser?

Directed by Bobby Ryan, the featured readers are Julie Hanks and Anita Welch. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Tickets are available at 378-3210 or www.sjctheatre.org

Michelle Loftus writes in to share this news with you…

Judah Finney Elected as Delegate to National Republican Convention

Judah Finney, San Juan County Republican State Committee Man, was elected as an Alternate Delegate to the National Republican Convention in Cleveland, Ohio this upcoming July.

Judah Finney – Contributed photo

Judah, raised on San Juan Island, has represented San County Republicans at the State Committee level and has supported local county Republican work. He is known for his excellent writing skills as he contributed to the WSRP Platform as a member of the State Platform Committee.

Achieving a place on the Cruz Slate at the Washington State Convention, Judah was elected from the Congressional District 2 Caucus. Forty four delegates and forty one alternates will travel to Cleveland, Ohio in July to represent Washington Republicans in nominating the Presidential Candidate and developing the National Republican Platform. Alternate Delegates such as Judah will rotate onto the Convention floor to vote for Convention business as Delegates rotate out for breaks.

We can all watch for him on the internet and television coverage of the Convention. Even though it is most likely Donald Trump will be the Republican Nominee for President, Cruz supporters are going to the National Convention to encourage conservative work on the national platform as well as unite behind Donald Trump. It should be an exciting Convention. Continue Reading

Eagles duking it out in mid air – Click to enlarge – Tim Dustrude photo

We pulled off the road the other day in Anacortes, near Skyline Marina, to shoot a photo for a friend, and were surprised by a territorial fight going on in the sky above us by an eagle and some crows and what looked like another eagle.

Luckily, we had the camera ready (as that’s why we were stopping in the first place) and were able to get a few shots of the birds. At one point, one of the eagles did a roll and the photo above shows him completely upside-down.

Juggling… magic… music… hula hoopsters… even aerialists!

The Northwest’s New Old Time Chautauqua has all that and more to make for one exciting evening in the Whittier Theatre for the entire family THIS Saturday, May 28 at 7:30 pm.

The unique collection of entertainers (45 performers in all) features both internationally acclaimed and local performers, including the juggling comedians, The Flying Karamasov Brothers; “dillusionist magic” from Joey Pippia; the unexplainable Godfrey Daniels; Guinness Book of World Record holder Noodlini; The Fighting Instruments of Karma Marching Chamber Band/Orchestra; and MORE!

The New Old Time Chautauqua’s visit is part of a state tour in collaboration with the Washington State Parks to invigorate attendance in state parks.

More details on SJCT’s website.

Mural artist Jake Wagoner, his fiancee Jeane Meyersahm, and their son Dylan after the celebration – Louise Dustrude photo

It was a happy celebration on Sunday in Sunken Park when the mural “Witness the Beauty” by artist Jake Wagoner of Seattle was dedicated. A beautiful day, chamber music from the bandstand, a prize-winning poem read by Bill Weissinger, and an appreciative crowd complemented the visual art. It’s a continuation of the Town’s efforts to improve our enjoyment of the park.

On Sunday, May 22nd, members of the community, the Town Council, and even passing tourists came to “Witness the Beauty”.

Jake “Dkoy” Wagoner, the Seattle-based artist, presented his mural at the ceremony in Sunken Park. Wagoner gave a small speech at the event.

“Thank you everybody for coming out. This is an idea that I’ve actually had for about three years now, so its really cool to see it come to life. I’m glad I’m getting a lot of good response from the town and everybody who’s stopped by. So thank you guys.”

Wagoner is a designer and muralist who gets “inspiration from the universe, animals, nature, and the connection between us”. His art, design, and murals reflect strong imagery that honor his subjects. (Bio from Jake’s website)

Here is a brief bio on Wagoner and the mural from last week on the San Juan Update… Witness the Beauty.

Left to right: Julie Green, Town of Friday Harbor Arts Commission Coordinator with commission members: Fiona Small, Susan Williams, Diane Martindale, Debbie Pigman, Lori Stokes, Farhad Ghatan and Megan Kilpatrick-Boe Keith Busha photo (Not pictured: commission member Ruth Offen)

Also featured at the ceremony was Bill Weissinger, winner of the Sunken Park poetry contest sponsored by the Friday Harbor Arts Commission. Bill read his poem “What You Don’t Want To Do” to celebrate and honor the beauty of San Juan Island.

Here’s his poem in case you missed it before: Continue Reading

Join the San Juan County Economic Development Council for their upcoming FREE workshop, Sales Processes for Profitability on Tuesday, June 7th from 1:00-2:30 p.m. on Orcas Island. Participants will learn to plan strategically in order to increase sales for their businesses.

Studies show that nearly 60% of companies lack a well-defined sales process – the step-by-step plan that business owners use to close deals and make sales. Good sales processes help customers arrive at informed final decisions about purchases, and help business owners to increase profits.

The event will be presented by Tony Salas of the Small Business Development Center of Mount Vernon, and a sales and management consultant for nearly 40 years.

As part of the class, Salas will cover how to understand buyers, how to assist prospective customers in making purchasing decisions, and how to design strategic sales processes. Additionally, Salas will discuss concrete steps to manage and implement the sales process and track key metrics, so that sales can be continuously optimized.

Details: Tuesday, June 7th from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at the Orcas Island Fire Station at 45 Lavender Lane in Eastsound. Advance registration is required; please call 360-378-2906 to reserve your space, or email: info [@] sanjuansedc.org.

The EDC thanks San Juan County government, our ports, the Town of Friday Harbor, Island Market, Heritage Bank, Islanders Bank and the Department of Commerce for their support of this workshop.

Contributed Photo

Swim Lessons for kids!

Starting May 31 and June 7. Sign up now at San Juan Island Fitness 378-4449, 435 Argyle Ave.

Questions?

Email swim [@] interisland.net.

Get into the swim of things!

Click to see photos of the event

Island Rec – Hill of Thrills Soap Box Derby race results

Island Rec announces winners of the first Hill of Thrills Soap Box Derby. Twenty participants ranged in age from 6 through adult. It was hard to say which age group had more fun. The Cutthroat Pirates were there in force not only racing their own brand of racing rigs but were very helpful in putting on the event.

Style/Design Award:

1. First Place – Michael “Wingnut” Seibert
2. Second Place – Lexi Gummerman

Race Awards:

5-8 year olds:

1. First Place – PJ Nixon
2. Second Place – Danielle Crossen
3. Third Place – Lexi Gummerman
4. Fourth Place – Oliver McEwen

9-15 year olds:

1. First Place Timmy Mountford
2. Second Place Billy Mountford
3. Third Place Levi Doenges
4. Fourth Place Annabelle Mountford

16 through adult:

1. First Place Michael “Wingnut” Seibert
2. Second Place James Gull
3. Third Place Travis Steckler
4. Fourth Place Suzie Lefever

Rick Hughes, Rachel Dietzman, Bob Jarman and Jaime Stephens – Contributed photo

On Monday morning the County Council recognized Rachel Dietzman, County Engineer, upon the occasion of her retirement.

Myhr receives NWPPA award – Contributed photo

At the 2016 Annual Membership Meeting of the Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA), Bob Myhr was presented with the NWPPA Life Member Award. Myhr retired from the OPALCO Board of Directors in 2015 after nearly 30 years of service.

Myhr was an advocate for safe, reliable, cost-effective electricity; energy efficiency and conservation; local generation of renewable energy; new technologies to manage power; and the fiber-optic network. In addition to his service to OPALCO, Myhr has also served as executive director for the San Juan Preservation Trust and the San Juan County Council.

General Manager Foster Hildreth said, “I personally thank Bob Myhr for all he has done in service to OPALCO, the co-op membership and our island communities.” Hildreth was present at the award ceremony.

NWPPA presents the Life Member Award to policymakers and managers who are retiring from NWPPA member utilities and have made notable contributions to the Association and to public power. Retired General Manager (now Board Member) Randy J. Cornelius received the Life Member Award in 2015.

Click for full poster

Julie Corrie has teamed up with Kraig Hansen of San Juan Transit to bring you “The Tour San Juan Island”. Here she is with more…

Hi Tim,

Just wanted to let your readers know that “The Tour” is up and going. I have partnered with Kraig Hansen from San Juan Transit to provide locals and tourist with an awesome land adventure!

Please post the flyer and check out the website at thetoursanjuanisland.com

Hope you can come ride along some day!

Thank you!
Julie

Just heard that Bill and Rita Ament are looking for a Summer Camp Counselor for their Summer Creative Arts Day Camps

Monday – Thursday
8:30 am – 2:15 pm
Camps held at 4th of July Beach

July 5 -8
July 18-21
August 1-4

All Outdoor Fun in Nature for Ages 3-12!

Call Bill and Rita for more information: 378-9628

Click to enlarge poster

In just about two weeks, the Spring Street History Play will open on the Whittier Stage at SJCT.

It will be the culmination of a school-year’s worth of reading, writing, researching and debating.

This play is about the Great Depression and it is seriously bluegrass flavored, with a nice big side order of tap dancing.

Featuring these folks and many others:

Contributed photo

Continue Reading

Orcas Island Garden Tour

The annual Orcas Island Garden Tour is the highlight of the Orcas garden year. Visitors from all over the U. S. come to Orcas to take a self-guided tour to some of the most beautiful gardens in the San Juans. This year the San Juan Island Garden Club will host an excursion to Orcas Island for their Garden Tour.

• Date: June 25, 2016
• Location: Orcas Island
• Ferry(s): Depart Friday Harbor at 8:30
  Depart Orcas Island at 4:30
• Cost: $45 Includes Transportation and Garden Tour ticket

(Not included: Lunch and Driver Gratuity) There is no San Juan Island Garden Tour in 2016

Reservations required prior to June 20, 2016
To register contact: Kathie Forsyth 360-378-5071 kathie.forsyth [@] edwardjones.com
Vonnie Harold 360-378-6250 yeharold [@] rockisland.com
More information including excursion itinerary on our website.

“The Joy Of Gardening Is Sharing”

Stephanie Prima – Contributed photo

Stephanie Prima reports that due to increased attendance, her Infinite Body Joyful Joints™ class has moved to a larger location. It’s now in the Community Room at Skagit College, Mondays, 4:30 – 5:30 pm.

The class has become so popular because the gentle, flowing movements of this unique class are simple to learn but deceptively powerful on both the physical and emotional level. In one hour you feel rejuvenated but also focused and calmed; it’s an indescribable sense of “aliveness” and “awareness” that is unlike any other form of exercise. Movements are done both seated and standing, with particular attention to balance and reflexes, so we have a better chance of avoiding falls as we age.

As one current participant put it, “I am a 73-year-old woman who has attended my very first ‘holistic healing’ class with Stephanie. It was such an enlightening experience for me that I shall continue with a ten week session. Most of the movements seem so simple, but actually I felt once I completed the class that I had exercised. The mental aspect of this class is excellent; my mind was truly focused and most of the clutter disappeared.”

The mind-body connection is critical in the process of restoring our health. After all, we are not just a physical body; our thoughts and emotions manifest in our body, in our relationships with others, and in the world. The essential movement principles of Infinite Body Joyful Joints™ emulate the holistic motions of nature, allowing the body to assimilate the movement in a very natural way. But with dedicated practice, they can also be used to develop emotional strength, grace and suppleness; alleviate pain, and promote longevity.

If you want to get your body moving again and find a calm respite from daily stress, THIS is the class for you!  It’s a non-judgmental, supportive atmosphere, and everyone moves at their own capacity; no special clothing or equipment is required. For more information, contact Stephanie at 317-1448, Outreach [@] MoveIntoMindfulness.com.