Cynthia Burke shares this cool story of a pigeon that came to visit…

Christopher Burke and friend – Cynthia Burke photo

Recently, on a sunny day, a beautiful bird decided to check out my husband’s custom woodworking shop.  The bird flew into his shop, walked about on the saw table, proceeded to hop on to our Golden Retriever’s back and carry on with a “What’s Up” demeanor while the work crew stared in wonder.

This shop is noisy, full of loud machines, harsh edges and a multitude of shop dogs – not a place that would seem to invite this gentle bird.  Nonetheless, the bird appeared and wanted to stay.  My husband, Christopher, walked up and the bird immediately landed on his shoulder and a friendship was born.

Closing time, Christopher walked out to our car (bird stayed planted on his shoulder) drove home and walked into our house with this little visitor.  It really did not want to leave his side.

After the initial thrill of the moment, we called Wolf Hollow to ask advice.  They were helpful but unless it was injured there was nothing they could do.  We then checked the Internet for “what to do with lost pigeons” advice.  It counseled that the bird may be lost, to check for a leg band & it may be just tired and needed 24 to 48 hours of food, water and rest before it carried on it’s way.

The pigeon had no tag on its leg so we set up a little space for it to eat & rest and recuperate for a day or two.  It loved the food (dried rice and grains) – drank up the water and then rested perched on one leg for the night.  Our dog basically showed little interest and the bird was quite at home.  However – if Christopher came close, the pigeon would quickly find a path to his shoulder or head or back  – somewhere near!

I have seen this before when hiking or out in nature, birds are comfortable around Christopher, taking food from him, landing on his head, shoulder – a lovely spectacle. Continue Reading

Ricky is this week’s Pet of the Week – Nanette is just one of his many girlfriends – Contributed photo

That’s me – Ricky. I’m the handsome tabby fellow shown here with Nanette, one of my many girlfriends at the animal shelter.

I suppose I’m what you might call a “chick magnet”. I don’t know how to explain it – they just can’t get enough of me. I guess it might be because of my gentle, suave demeanor. Or maybe it’s my soulful eyes and rugged good looks. Could be it’s just because I have the softest, most comfy bed in Kamp Kitty. Whatever it is, I make friends with other cats pretty easily.

Here at the animal shelter they call me “The Ambassador” because the other cats like me so much. Truth is, I like them too. The problem is, I’ve been here for a couple of years now… way too long.

I was hoping someone like you might be interested in giving me a real forever home. I’m pretty sure you’ll like me. Everyone else seems to…

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

Please join us to hear Eliza describe the Salish Seeds Project which produces plants and seeds of native island wildflowers and grasses for local restoration projects. Learn how the seeds are collected, tended in the nursery, and eventually planted in restoration zones on preserves. It will be a fascinating and worthwhile program!

At every San Juan Island Garden Club meeting, we enjoy general discussion of gardening issues and gardening experiences of all in attendance. The topics among members and guests are quite varied, ranging from greenhouse gardening, container gardening, to gardening and cooking with local, seasonal crops.

All are welcome!!

Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the Mullis Community Center (589 Nash Street, Friday Harbor)

Please join us for tea, coffee, dessert and a wonderful program. RSVP to Marguerite Bennett at 378-8524 or just drop in and join the discussion. Visit our website for more information: www.sjigardenclub.weebly.com

Patterns of Snow on a Pond –

Renowned landscape photographer Dorothy Kerper Monnelly (currently on exhibit at SJI Museum of Art) has paired her large-format black and white images with poems to create a book, “For My Daughters.” The poetry that inspired the book was written by the photographer’s mother, Dorothy Darling Kerper between 1920 and 1945, the year she died.

“I remember, as a child, her sitting quietly and writing,” said Monnelly,“She never managed to get published. I remember she was so disappointed.” Monnelly held onto a volume of her mother’s poetry that her father had printed privately and later found more poems stored in boxes. She carried them around for 35 years after her father’s death and has now paired some of those poems with her photography in this new book, “For My Daughters.”

“I chose my favorite poems, the ones I loved the most, and started looking for matches.” Monnelly’s corresponding images span more than seventeen years of her long career in large-format black and white photography. They carry us from the great deserts and landscapes of our National Parks to her home, the salt marsh of Ipswich, Massachusetts. Continue Reading

Opening Day Boat Parade

Today the San Juan Island Yacht Club held the annual Opening Day Boat Parade to commemorate the beginning of the boating season for this year. The theme for the parade was “A Community Afloat” and over 30 boats participated. You really couldn’t have asked for better weather for an event like this.

A pretty good crowd showed up to watch the parade from Spring Street Landing, the fuel dock, the breakwater and from the port’s Fairweather Park. Click the link to view a gallery of images. Continue Reading

The wedding of Dave Eden and Beth Purdum – Click to enlarge – John Miller photo

SJ Island photographer John Miller shares this photo of Dave Eden and Elizabeth Purdum at their wedding…

I had the honor and privilege of photographing the wedding ceremony of Reverend Elizabeth Purdum and Dr. David Eden at St Davids on Saturdey. Attached find an image taken in the church, commemorating the wonderful occasion.
John

Here’s a press release from our neighbors on Orcas Island…

A bowl of Marshall Strawberries – Contributed photo

The Marshall Strawberry and the Olga Strawberry Barreling Plant legacy on Orcas Island were short-lived and shared succinctly intertwined legacies. Not everyone knows that what is now commonly referred to as the Artworks Building was originally the Olga Strawberry Barreling Plant and holds a special place in the hearts of Olga and Orcas Island.

The Olga Strawberry Council (OSC) is the non-profit charged with maintaining the historical integrity of this building that is on the Washington Heritage Register of Historic Places.

To honor and share their legacies, OSC is proud to present a 6-week informational series of events with the express purpose of enlightening the community and beyond of the Marshall and the barreling plant’s significant place in the annals of history that promise to fulfill not only your curiosity but your creativity as well. Check them out: Continue Reading

Johnathan and Vail Hu – Brook Ashcraft photo

San Juan Update high school intern Brook Ashcraft shares this report on last week’s event at Brickworks…

Funksgiving – Brook Ashcraft photo

The witty and humble Eric Sable hosted the first annual Battle of the Bands at Brickworks on April 22nd. The event featured music by Monkeys Like Bananas, the FHHS Combo Band, Funksgiving, and others. There was dancing, a beat-box battle between Mr. Troutman and Eric, and surprise saxophone performances.

The evening left us all feeling in touch with each other and the community. FHHS band teacher, Cart Nelsen, gave a speech. He stated, “This does not happen every place.” He addressed the overwhelming sense of unity that the island provides us all with.

A total of $1,204 was raised for the band program. Sable spoke, “This money is going to help out the bands, I think 6th through 12th grade. It’s mainly going to be a fund for trips, and it’s going to be a fund for instrument repairs, and workshops. It’s going to make our band great. With the help of Mr. Nelsen and the wonderful kids in band. It’s gonna be awesome. I think we’re going to see this resurgence of the arts, and we’re going to keep this event going!” Thunderous applause followed his speech.

Thanks to Eric Sable and the LEOs Club for making this evening happen!

All photos by Brook Ashcraft – click to see more:  Continue Reading

After months of grueling night work, most often in harsh conditions, the road gang has restored the infrastructure under Spring Street.  A welcome sight to all on the island as the new paving goes down.

Friday Harbor Film Festival Winter Series: Audience Choice Presents: Unbranded

Directed by Phil Baribeau, Unbranded is an in-between-college-and-real-life adventure that makes the case for better land and wild horse management.

After adopting a group of wild mustangs from the Bureau of Land Management, a small group of recent college grads decide to live out their dream of being 19th century frontiersmen while using a 21st century camera to document their experiences.

They travel 3,000 miles from the Arizona-Mexico border up the spine of the former American “wild west” to the Canadian border, passing through vast stretches of public land in the backcountry.

Woven into their adventure is the ongoing debate about how best to manage wild horses on public lands, exposing the clashes activists and ranchers have with the BLM over its practice of capturing wild horses and recruiting people to adopt them.

The filmmakers have created a powerful film following the journey of four men, 16 mustangs, and a changing American West.

Winner of the Audience Award at the 2015 Telluride Mountainfilm Festival and Toronto’s HotDocs festival. See it right here in Friday Harbor on Tuesday, May 3rd at 7:00 pm at the Grange. Movie trailer here.

Islanders Bank clean up team – Contributed photo

Lori Stokes shares this recap of last week’s clean up event on the islands…

Co-organizers of the sixth annual Great Islands Clean-Up on San Juan Island — Lori Stokes, Jana Marks, and David Dehlendorf — would like to thank our island’s approximately 300 volunteers who participated this year, helping to make San Juan Island “litter-free by the sea.”

Over 100 of these litter-picker-uppers cleaned our beaches (including South Beach, Granny’s Cove, Jacksons Beach, 4th of July Beach, Eagle Cove, Mulno Cove, and Third Lagoon), and the rest cleaned our roadsides. A grand total of about 2,150 pounds of litter was collected!!

Many groups provided enthusiastic volunteers:

Bailer Hill Construction, Cub Scout Pack 4090, Cutthroat Pirates, Friday Harbor Labs, Friends of the San Juans, Island Air, Islanders Bank, Kiwanis, League of Women Voters, Leo’s Club, Lighthouse Preschool, Lions, Mitchell Pt. Litter Ladies & Gents, Mt. Dallas Volunteer Group, Paideia School, Ravenhill Construction, Rotary, San Juan County Land Bank, San Juan County Parks, San Juan Island National Historic Park, Soroptimists, Spring Street International School, Stillpoint School, Trash Masters, and Vinny’s,

These groups were supplemented by the efforts of numerous other volunteers who picked up litter near their homes or businesses. A special shout-out goes to Paideia School with the largest group of participants (by far!), with 50 students, parents, and friends all joining in the fun. (More photos below) Continue Reading

EMS Building and Ambulance – Tim Dustrude photo

As expected, the public hospital district board voted Wednesday evening to submit a 50 cents per thousand EMS (Emergency Medical Services) levy to the voters at the August 2 election. The vote to do so was unanimous.

Vividly aware that two previous levies have failed, board members vowed to pare the budget as much as possible, consistent with maintaining the high quality of service the EMS has been offering.

Several unknowns prevent the finalizing of the 2017 budget at this time, however. The Medicaid program is investigating whether the island EMS has improperly transported patients by air rather than ground ambulance, but the SJIEMS believes that the time involved in transporting them by ferry argues for air transport. This issue has not yet been resolved. Also, salary negotiations with the paramedics are still underway.

A number of medical costs have gone up in recent years, while payments from Medicare and Medicaid as well as private health insurance do not begin to cover the costs to the district of caring for and transporting patients. The district to date has not billed residents for any of these costs.

For more information, including minutes of meetings, see the website sjcphd.org.

Story by Louise Dustrude.

Community Dinner next Wednesday, May 4th!

Click to enlarge

At the FHHS Commons from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

Join us for a Cinco de Mayo Celebration (a day early)! The talented Ballet Folkloriko Monarca dancers will join us around 6:15!

On the menu:

• Smoked Pork Carnitas– Applewood smoked pork shoulder
• Grilled Chicken Tacos– Draper Valley chicken thigh
• Beans– Slow simmered NW black beans
• Spanish Rice– Seasoned rice with onions and tomatoes
• Chili-Lime Cole Slaw– Cabbage and cilantro with sweet chili sauce and lime
• Garden Salad- Orange-Cumin vinaigrette with cucumber, tomato, olives and pepitas
• Chips and “Guacamole”– made with NW green garbanzo beans instead of avocados
• Tres Leche Cake for dessert – a light cake soaked in three types of milk (evaporated, sweetened condensed, heavy cream)

Suggested Donation of $12 for Adults and $6 for kids under 12 yrs old

*NOTE* The 2016-2017 Suggested Donation will increase next year to $15 for adults and $7 for kids under 12. Food costs have risen over the last few years, and we need to increase our donation request to cover costs and continue to raise funds to support our program. Thank you for your understanding and support.

The following is a Guest Editorial by Barbara Marrett of the visitor’s bureau…

Barbara Marrett – Contributed photo

The first week in May is National Travel & Tourism Week, created to champion the power of travel to enhance communities across the country by contributing to the local economy and overall quality of life.

In the past, I’ve used this opportunity to outline the cultural and economic benefits visitors bring to our community. This year, however, I’d like to also acknowledge that visitors can challenge the very reasons a location is attractive in the first place. As the Islands have grown in popularity, it’s important to ask:

• How do we protect or restore the peaceful places locals have grown to love?
• How do we encourage and educate visitors who want to contribute to making the Islands a better place?
• What are the best and worst outcomes of tourism on our individual islands?

In an attempt to answer these questions, the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau is currently spearheading a draft tourism master plan for the County. Over the next few months we will incorporate the comments received from diverse key stakeholder groups. Once these comments are input and the first draft is shared with the County Council, this draft will be shared with the general public for comment. Continue Reading

Boy Scout Troop 4090 will be holding a car wash this Saturday, April 30th, from 10:00-2:00 in the Heritage Bank parking lot.

The car wash is a fundraiser to help the boys pay for a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico this summer. Philmont is the Boy Scout’s largest national high adventure base camp. The week-long trip includes a 42 mile backpacking trip where they will stay in different camps along the way and learn about different time periods in history.

The boys making the trip are Diego Anderson, Brian Fleming, Dakota Gabler-Brown, Emeron Geiser, Christopher Hallock, Kenny Hallock, Quinn LaCrampe, and Will Leeming, along with the two leaders, Chris Hallock (Scout Master) and Christine Minnie.

Emily from the Duck Soup Inn writes to share an invitation to their upcoming event this weekend… 

We have a fun wine event happening this Sunday that I thought Islanders might be interested in.

Next Sunday May 1st will be our first wine social of the season featuring Brooks Winery of Willamette Valley, Oregon. This will be a casual event with small bites, wine, and expert storytelling by Jessica Pierce of Brooks Winery.

The story of Brooks Winery is deeply moving and was featured in the film American Wine Story. Come learn their story from Jessica and celebrate organic and biodynamic winemaking. This will be an excellent opportunity to taste some of our Spring menu items in smaller format with delicious Oregon wines.

More info on our events page http://ducksoupinn.com/events/.