Exploration Vessel “Nautilus”

Kendra Clifton-Pew – Contributed photo

FHHS Junior Kendra Clifton-Pew has been selected to explore the ocean on the “Nautilus”, the exploration vessel used by Dr. Robert Ballard when he discovered the Titanic shipwreck.

Educators and students participate in groundbreaking STEM initiative exploring deep-sea biology, geology, and archaeology in the Eastern Pacific

Kendra has been selected as a 2016 Honors Research Program Student and will sail aboard Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus during its 2016 expedition. She will join the Corps of Exploration in August as they explore the California Margin, a broad area that fits entirely within the US Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) but that still remains largely unexplored.

The margin region is criss-crossed by seismically active faults, (although how often these may be rupturing is subject to much debate.) Much of our understanding of the California margin is based on shipboard surveys, remote sensing, and circumstantial evidence, with very little deep submergence exploration.

Seventeen educators and twenty-two students from around the world have been selected from a competitive pool of applicants by the Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) to participate at sea during the 2016 Nautilus Exploration Program expedition. Continue Reading

This is the fifth in a series of articles about elections in Washington State by San Juan County Auditor F. Milene Henley. The County Auditor administers elections and voter registration in the County.

Milene Henley – Contributed photo

Ballots for Washington’s May 24 Presidential Primary will arrive in your mailbox soon.

The Presidential Primary is different from every other Washington election. Its purpose is not to elect the next President, but rather, to tell the two major parties who you would like them to select as their candidates. The nominees selected by the two big parties – as well as the candidates selected by other parties – will then appear on the November general election ballot.

So why aren’t other parties, such as Green and Libertarian, on the primary ballot? In order to be included in the Presidential Primary, a party’s nominees must have received at least 5% of the vote cast in the last Presidential election. Only the Democratic and Republican parties qualify.

Because this election is about the parties, voters are required to declare a party affiliation in order to vote. Each party drafted its own declaration language. Both party declarations will be included on the ballot return envelope, in addition to the standard ballot declaration. In order for your ballot to be counted, you are required to mark the box for one or the other party.

(And yes, your party preference is a matter of public record for 22 months following certification of the Presidential Primary. And the parties do seek and use that information.) Continue Reading

Surina Business Park fire – Sheila Harley photo

At approximately 6:30 the morning of May 9, 2016 a fire broke out at Surina Business Park off Malcom Street. The fire was contained to one unit, although there was potential of smoke damage to additional units in the building. Five fire apparatus, including the Rescue and the Ladder trucks were deployed. One can see the charring on the left of the window in the photo.

The fire was quickly controlled. Crews continued to check for any additional fire and to clear the building and attic of smoke.

Firefighters returned to the station shortly after 8 am. Thanks to all the firefighters and personnel who responded.

Story by Sheila Harley, Public Information Officer of SJI Fire/Rescue

Rachel Dietzman – Tim Dustrude photo

Rachel Dietzman will retire June 3 after 9-1/2 years at County Public Works (five as County Engineer).

She worked in the private sector before joining Public Works, and says at that time she “thought government work would be easy. I imagined the job would give me an opportunity for research and training and learning skills such as grant writing.”

“I never imagined I would work harder than ever and the work would be more complicated and more satisfying. I have been so impressed by the caliber of the people at Public Works, their dedication to their work and their integrity. It’s been a wonderful place to work. That was the best surprise.”

During her time at Public Works, she worked to standardize their processes and procedures so there is more consistency between and within projects. And she initiated the “community liaison” component of the capital projects.

“We embed a community member in our projects. They help us with consultant selection, and design review, and help us to be open and transparent with the public.” Continue Reading

Tim Dustrude photo

>> Update – the time has been moved up to 11:00 for this award presentation <<

Town to receive Department of Health award for top water quality in the state

The Town of Friday Harbor is receiving top honors for providing some of the clearest drinking water in the state for three consecutive years.

The Washington State Department of Health presents the Treatment Optimization Program (TOP) Award to water operators that meet significantly higher water quality standards than those set by the government.

Steve Deem of the Washington State DOH will present the award at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at Town Hall. The Town is one of only eleven systems in the state to receive this year’s award.

The Town’s water department voluntarily participates in the stringent DOH program which challenges operators to exceed the minimum legal standards for three consecutive years. According to Town Public Works Director Wayne Haefele, the DOH has set an extremely difficult goal.

“It requires that water systems make the TOP goal a priority in everything we do and every decision we make,” said Haefele. TOP Award winners must maintain extreme water clarity, known as low “turbidity”, while simultaneously complying with every other measurement of water quality without exception for three consecutive years. Turbidity is considered one of the most dependable tests for confirming the removal of potential pathogenic organism from water.

The DOH created the Treatment Optimization Program in response to a 1992 waterborne disease outbreak in Milwaukee, WI that killed 100 and sickened a significant percentage of the population.

Left to right: John Ellis, Pastor Joe Bettridge, and Frank Penwell – Contributed photo

Community Treasures is a 501(c)3 public charity thrift shop (dba CT Recycling) and known as “CT”.  CT provides items free of charge to nonprofit and service organizations, as well as some occasional services for organizations and individuals, to the tune of about $2,000 a month.  In addition, CT provides funds for community programs and projects that support CT’s charitable mission.

In May, CT is proud to announce that it will make contributions of $7,000 toward local programs, including two contributions for Prevention Coalition projects – $1,500 for Voices for Healthy Choices, and $500 for Project Grad Night.  In addition, CT is contributing $3,000 toward roof repairs for the Recovery House, which hosts personal recovery programs.  CT is also contributing $2,000 to student scholarships.

We would like to thank individuals in our community for their generous support, which makes it possible for Community Treasures to give back to local charitable organizations, deserving projects, and worthy students.

Community Treasures is located at 6739 Roche Harbor Road and reuses, repurposes and recycles items donated by our island neighbors. Without your support and the help of our tireless volunteers, it would not be possible for us to succeed. Thank you very much!

The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the Co-Grand Marshals and Honored Citizens for the 2016 Independence Day Parade in Friday Harbor.

In keeping with the theme “America the Beautiful…100 Years of National Parks!”, the Grand Marshals will be Mike Vouri, representing the Parks Past and History, and newly appointed National Park Superintendent Elexis Fredy, representing the Park’s future.

The National Park Service (NPS) turns 100 years of age in 2016 and San Juan Island is excited to be able to honor these special individuals. The Chamber of Commerce is also proud to announce a special parade tribute, the 2016 “Citizens of Honor”, who are chosen for their outstanding community contributions. This year’s inaugural selections are Gerry and Sonnie King. Continue Reading

SJCT’s production of The Addams Family – Tim Dustrude photo

They’re scary and they’re ghastly,
but also weirdly classy,
They’ve come to San Juan Island,
The Addams Family.

For your own entertainment and to support the San Juan Community Theatre, I hope you will not miss THE ADDAMS FAMILY, on stage from May 6-21.

This is a fantastic production full of bizarre touches. Last night’s audience was enthralled and, in my opinion, witness to one of the cleverest plays we’ve seen on the Whittier stage.  Gorgeous (and ghoulish) costuming, amazing staging, wonderful music and choreography, sets to die for (so to speak), and a cast of characters striving for excellence. They were all so good that it doesn’t seem right to single anyone out. This lavish effort from so many talented friends and neighbors is a success on every dimension.

A gushing review for this play is unavoidable, and well-deserved. I think THE ADDAMS FAMILY deserves the most enthusiastic reception we can offer.

PLEASE, go see it!. SJCT is a gift to all of us and THE ADDAMS FAMILY continues the tradition of outstanding local theater. Fabulous job!

Janice Peterson
Friday Harbor

More photos below:

[Show slideshow]

In honor of this month’s “History Lives Here” celebration the Land Bank and SJI National Historic Park are hosting an afternoon of fun and learning for kids, centered around the heritage fruit trees in historic Driggs Park (adjacent to the Land Bank office) and pollinators.

There will be games and art projects, as well as entomologist, Cynthia Brast, who will be sharing her insect specimens. Refreshments will be available to keep everyone’s energy buzzing! This event is free to the public and enthusiasts of all ages are encouraged to stop by.

For more information please contact Tanja Williamson at 360-378-4402 or email tanjaw [@] sjclandbank.org.

Friday, May 13, 2016  from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Driggs Park (Land Bank Office, corner of Caines St. and Argyle), Friday Harbor

Pictured above:  Islanders Bank E-Banking and Treasury Support Services Manager Michelle Morton, Teri Gentry, Chamber Executive Director Becki Day and Islanders Bank President Brad Williamson – Contributed photo

Answer: Becki was visiting chamber member businesses all month.

If you hadn’t heard… The Chamber of Commerce, along with Islanders Bank, sponsored a “Scavenger Hunt” of sorts, where Chamber Executive Director Becki Day would visit chamber member businesses and snap a “selfie” photo of herself, once each day all month, and post them to the Chamber’s Facebook page.

People would then guess where she was. At the end of the month, all of the people’s names who correctly identified her locations, were tossed into a big bowl and one lucky winner was picked.

And the winner… is Teri Gentry, of Gentry Aesthetics. Congratulations Terri!!

Terri receives a brand new iPad Air generously donated by Islanders Bank.

Mural location at Sunken Park – Tim Dustrude photo

Artist to commence mural installation at Sunken Park beginning May 13th

The Town of Friday Harbor invites the public to view the installation of a mural in Sunken Park beginning May 13th. A celebration of the completed work will be held at 2 pm Sunday, May 22nd, and will include chamber music courtesy of Sue Collado, Sasha von Dassow, Hanneke Klein-Robbenhaar, and Traci Wilson, and a reading by the winner of the Friday Harbor Arts Commission (FHAC) Sunken Park poetry contest.

Kirkland artist Jake Wagoner’s work was selected from several proposals submitted by professional local and northwest artists. In an October 2015 statement to the Town Council, the FHAC said they found Wagoner’s piece, “Witness the Beauty”, both sophisticated and intriguing, and that his subject choice of the waxwing bird as an indigenous but not over-represented animal was unexpected and appropriate for the park setting.

Artist’s depiction of the mural-to-be. Click to enlarge

The mural selection process included a review by an Art Selection Panel (ASP) composed of representatives of the Arts Commission, local art community, and neighbors of Sunken Park. According to the Arts Commission, the panel members expressed appreciation for the experience and skill of all of the artists and for the degree of research and careful thought that went into each of their concepts. The ASP independently reviewed the proposals then came to a consensus. The selection was discussed publicly at FHAC and Town Council meetings in late 2015. “Public input was critical to our art selection process,” said Arts Commissioner Debbie Pigman, adding, “The commission wants the selection and installation of our projects to be an exciting and memorable process for the community.”   Continue Reading

Click to enlarge

Public Works will build a connector road between Turn Point and Pear Point Roads, using local funds and the county road crew, and they hope to start in the fall of this year.

It is anticipated that this road will funnel traffic, especially trucks, off Warbass Way and away from the ferry lanes in town.

“We have verbal agreement from all the affected property owners,” said county engineer Rachel Dietzman last week, “and we have found a solution that suits everybody.” (See map.)

The road will be constructed on property owned by Mike and Jeri Ahrenius, the Community Property L.L.C., Jai Boreen, Vince Buck, and Caroline Norman. Most of these owners will benefit from the new road, but Dietzman especially thanked the Ahreniuses for granting their share of the right-of-way at no cost. “They are community minded and believe in the value of the project,” she said.

Area of detail – click to enlarge

The route across the gravel pit property was retained by the county when it gifted the area to Island Rec after purchasing it from LaFarge Canada Inc. once the gravel pit operation shut down.

There will be a turn-around, the first in San Juan County, at the top of the road coming up from Shipyard Cove, so that trucks coming off freight boats can more easily turn left to access the new connector road. Click here for a larger, printable PDF of the graphic above.

Story by Louise Dustrude

Tourism to San Juan Island National Historical Park creates Over $19 million in Economic Benefits

Report shows visitor spending supports 198 jobs in local economy

A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 258,668 visitors to San Juan Island National Historical Park (NHP) in 2015 spent $14,811,700 in communities near the park. That spending supported 198 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $19,222,100.

“San Juan Island NHP welcomes visitors from across the country and around the world,” said Superintendent Elexis Fredy. “We are delighted to share the story of this place and the experiences it provides. We also feature the park as a way to introduce our visitors to this part of the country and all that it offers. National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy, returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service, and it’s a big factor in our local economy as well. We appreciate the partnership and support of our neighbors and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities.”

The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas of the U.S. Geological Survey and Lynne Koontz of the National Park Service.  The report shows $16.9 billion of direct spending by 307.2 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 295,000 jobs nationally; 252,000 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $32 billion. Continue Reading

Photo credit: Jenn Furber of Neon Tide

Here’s some press for the new book by local author and creative director Sara Jensen…

On May 3, Sara Jensen read her newly released book “Be Glad Your Dad…” aloud at Friday Harbor Elementary School to grades K-4. The book is available locally at Pebble and Griffin Bay Bookstore, both located on Friday Harbor’s Spring Street.

Most of the time, you’re glad your dad is your dad, until he gets grouchy, bossy, or just totally gross. Then you wish you could swap him for something else. But be careful what you wish for, because it could be way worse… Be glad your dad is not a dog, because he would lick your face to say hello!

In this silly what-if story, kids will roar with laughter at the misadventures of a monkey dad, an alligator dad, a whale dad, and even a unicorn dad! But nothing can replace the dads who love them more than anything in the whole wide world.

Be sure to check out the fun facts about the animals in the story in the back of the book!

About the Authors
Matthew Logelin is the author of the New York Timesbestselling memoir Two Kisses for Maddy as well as the award-winning blog Matt, Liz, and Madeline. Be Glad Your Dad… (Is Not an Octopus!) is his debut picture book, and he lives in Los Angeles, California.

Sara Jensen is a creative director and a designer. She is an advocate for type 1 diabetes research and foster adoption, and Be Glad Your Dad (Is Not an Octopus!) is her debut picture book. She lives in Washington on a small island in the [Salish Sea].

Jared Chapman is the author and illustrator of Pirate, Viking & Scientist and Steve, Raised by Wolves. He has worked for Walt Disney Television Animation, Nick Jr., Hallmark, and The Hollywood Reporter, among others, and he lives in Mount Pleasant, Texas.

Reviews
“Playful…. Vivid colors, appealing creatures, and engaging text with a warmhearted outcome make this dad-centered story a delight.”― Booklist

“Vivid digital cartoons…. Irreverent closing notes offer extra details about the 16 animals. Light, jokey fun–dung beetles are always good for a laugh, right?”― Publishers Weekly

Poppies Under Whale Tail – Aaron Shepard photo

Aaron Shepard shares this recent photo of poppies under the Whale Tail sculpture in town.

Thanks for sharing Aaron!

The Addams Family opens Friday at SJCT – Lisa Duke photo

San Juan Community Theatre’s spring musical, The Addams Family, opens in the Whittier this Friday, May 6 at 7:30 pm, with 10 performances through May 21.

Directed by Carol Hooper, with musical direction by Jim Collado, this latest translation of the iconic unique and monstrous characters brings the issue of “normal” versus “weird” families to the forefront.  The extraordinary talents of our island community will be in full force—from the multitude of sets, props and detailed costumes to the acting, musical and dancing skills to the behind-the-scenes choreography making the onstage action shine!

Get More Details and your tickets at www.sjctheatre.org.

The Addams Family, A New Musical Cast:

Penelope Haskew                    Morticia
Scott Mapstead                       Gomez
Jim Hooper                              Fester
Joely Loucks                           Wednesday
Luke Fincher                           Pugsley
Bo Turnage                             Mal
Amanda Smith                        Alice
Eric Sable                                Lucas
Patti Bair                                 Grandmamma
Brad Fincher                           Lurch
Annabelle Mountford             Cousin It
Christine Minney                    Iguanodon

Ancestors Ensemble:
Floyd Bourne, Presley Clark, Michelle Coleman, Jennifer Doll Oettinger, Carrie Jewett, Keith Keyser, Trudy Loucks, Jamie Mountford, Kevin Porter, Chiara Power, Fiona Small, Bill Watson, Stacy Worcester