6th graders haul a heavy load for their garden – Contributed photo

FHES 6th graders, in collaboration with the Kwiaht organization, will be hosting a Pollinator Celebration, a Honey Tasting and a Research Garden Dedication,  onFriday, April 29th from 9:00 to 11:00 am.

The Research Garden Dedication from the 6th graders to the supporting organizations of Kwiaht and San Juan Public Schools Foundation begins at 9:30. Also, a special thank you will go to Ranger Parsons from SJI National Historical Park and to Cattle Point Rock & Topsoil.

During the celebration, 6th graders will provide informative tours of the Research Garden, highlighting their work with pollinators in collaboration with scientists from Kwiaht and will also be featuring a multi-media presentation in their classroom during the event.

FHES K-5 students will be touring the research garden throughout the hours of the event, engaging in informative talks with their 6th grade schoolmates.

Staff of Friday Harbor Elementary School – Click to enlarge – Contributed photo

SJI School District Superintendent Danna Diaz shares this letter to the community…

Friday Harbor Elementary School receives the Washington Achievement Award

Spring is here and we are having beautiful weather in Friday Harbor. Students and teachers are back from spring break and we are busy teaching and learning.

On April 7, we received news that Friday Harbor Elementary is receiving the 2015 Washington Achievement Award. According to Randy Dorn, State Superintendent of Public Instruction and Isabel Muñoz-Colón, Chair, State Board of Education, the Washington Achievement Award winners are selected using the State Board of Education Revised Achievement Index and are based on statewide assessment data for the three previous years.

The award is given in seven categories: Overall Excellence, High Progress, English Language Arts Growth, Math Growth, Extended Graduation Rate, English Language Acquisition, and Achievement Gap. Friday Harbor Elementary is being recognized for High Progress. Congratulations Principal Dane Ball, teachers, staff, students and families! Continue Reading

A note from San Juan Island Cheese on their recent fundraiser…

Dear Friends:

A big thank you to all who attended and contributed to the Ecuador Earthquake Relief fundraiser last Friday evening.

We had a packed house! Thanks to the generosity of our guests and our staff, San Juan Island Cheese is donating $1,932.00 to the Cruz Roja Ecuatoriana (Ecuadorian Red Cross).

They are providing first aid, search and rescue, health teams, hospital units, and more. Our hearts go out to the ongoing struggle to heal the people and towns affected.

And….. Friday night is SPRITZ night!
We invite you to tomorrow’s Spritz & Tapas night, Friday April 29th from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Enjoy bubbly cocktails, wine, beer and cider paired with assorted tapas.

No reservations needed. We hope you join us tomorrow night!

Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale – Contributed photo

What happens the day before Mother’s Day? The very popular annual Master Gardener’s Spring Plant Sale, with home grown vegetable starts from your local master gardeners. Fill your garden with tomatoes, peppers, squashes, cucumbers, brassicas and herbs. A large selection of varieties that will thrive in our climate are available.

And back by popular request: perennials shared from our SJI and Orcas Island master gardeners’ flower beds and potted up for you to plant in your own garden.

The Master Gardeners’ Plant sale has become a popular tradition on San Juan Island, so get there early to select
your favorites before we start selling out!

Saturday, May 7th, 9:00 to noon, at the Mullis Center.

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse – John Miller photo

San Juan Island photographer John Miller recently took a trip down the Oregon coast and is sharing a series of lighthouse photos with SJ Update readers. This is number 2 in that series.

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse – located about a mile off shore from Tillimook Head. According to John it is on a rock that is 133 feet above sea level and is the only light house that is privately owned.

Do more, work less, and be happy by learning how multitasking wisely can streamline your life and business during this FREE workshop taught by noted management consultant and author Mike Sanders.

Participants will learn how judicious multitasking can protect us from brain overload and help us to be happier doing what we love. Included will be free handouts, quick reference cards, and a drawing for books.

Details: Tuesday, May 17th from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at the San Juan Island Library in Friday Harbor. 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, Heritage Bank, Islanders Bank and the Department of Commerce for their support of this workshop.

This workshop is not sponsored by the San Juan Island Library.

Preparing for paving – SJ Update photo

Spring Street Utility Replacement Project Construction Update

April 27, 2016

This is a construction update from the town on what to expect today through the remainder of the week…

The Spring Street Utility Replacement Project has reached its final phase. The majority of sidewalk repairs are complete, utilities are connected from the new main to individual properties, and the Contractor is prepping for pavement.

What to expect:

• Street Closure is scheduled from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday & Friday, April 28th-29th. Work delays may require an extension of closure and construction hours until no later than 7 p.m. The street will be reopened each evening and no construction will occur over the weekend.
• Paving is anticipated to begin on Thursday, April 28th. Spring Street will occur first followed by Argyle Avenue. Currently, Argyle Avenue is scheduled to be paved on Monday, May 2nd.
• Parking may be utilized when the street is reopened both evenings. All vehicles must be moved from the area tomorrow and Friday by 6 a.m. Unmoved vehicles must be towed at the owner’s expense to accommodate paving.
• Signage will remain in place indicating closure.
• Sidewalks will continue to be open to pedestrians.

Every effort is being made to limit closures and delays. Drivers are asked to plan alternate routes due to limited access.

Questions regarding the project may be directed to Town Hall or the on-site Project Manager.

As always, The Town appreciates the continued patience of business owners, residents and visitors.

Erin Shackelford of Camas Designs – Robert Shackelford photo

If you see a bright purple wildflower on the side of a yellow truck roaming the streets of Friday Harbor, it’s probably the new flower business in town. Erin & Robert Shackelford have started Camas Designs, a floral design and artwork company based in Friday Harbor.

Erin has been arranging flowers for years while working her “corporate” job simultaneously. Earlier this year, Erin decided life was too short not to follow her passion and is now bringing joy via flowers to those around her.

Camas Designs provides flowers for weddings, special events and offers twice-monthly flower subscriptions for those wanting flowers in their home or business. Robert does the web design and photography for Camas and creates artwork on a custom made CNC machine to go with the Camas florals. (Robert’s landscape and macro photography can be seen at robertshackelford.com.)

Camas is committed to using American grown flowers and they source their flowers from San Juan Island farms and a Northwest flower farmer co-op. Camas is creating a limited number of centerpieces for Mother’s Day. To order flowers for Mother’s Day, email Camas at erin [@] camasdesigns.com or call 206-437-4993. To guarantee availability, place your order by May 3rd.

The motto of Camas Designs is “locally sourced happiness” which highlights their mission to bring island beauty into your home, wedding, event, or workplace. To learn more about Camas Designs, visit their website at www.camasdesigns.com.

Gavin Goodrich and Beatrice Grauman-Boss – Contributed photo

Fred Yockers of Spring Street International School shares this invitation with you…

Oliver Strasser – Contributed photo

Come see and hear Gavin Goodrich, Spring Street International School sophomore, and guest performers in a Concert of piano, violin and guitar music held in the Gubelman Theatre of the San Juan Community Theatre this Friday, April 29th at 7:00 pm.

Admission is by donation and all profits will be used to support Gavin in his SSIS trip to Guatamela in May, as well as the orphanage the students are visiting.

Gavin will be joined by fellow student Beatrice Grauman-Boss and SSIS Music Instructor, Oliver Strasser. Light refreshments and a reception for the performers will be held following the event.

Gavin is an enormously talented musician and quite a showman! I am certain you will be thoroughly impressed with his talent and entertained with his wit and enthusiasm! Please attend to support Gavin and show your pride and appreciation to the many talented students at Spring Street International School. Questions? Contact: fyockers [@] springstreet.org.

Fawn season is here – Contributed photo

This is the time of year when fawns are being born on the San Juans. For the first couple of weeks they are not strong enough to run, jump and follow Mom through the woods, so she leaves them alone, lying still and quiet, for several hours while she goes off to feed. Ideally they are in a safe, sheltered spot in the woods, but sometimes they are left in strange places such as in a garden, next to a building or trail, or in a pasture where they are noticed by people.

If you do find a fawn please don’t disturb or touch it. Please stay back, keep dogs and small children away and leave Mom to come back and feed her baby later.

If you see a doe and small fawn crossing the road, please stay well back and give the little creature time to pick its way across the hard surface on its tiny hooves. If they are startled, the doe will probably run off and the fawn will immediately crouch down in the road and lie very still. If this happens, you can very carefully slip your hand under the fawn’s belly, carry it off the road and leave it in a safe sheltered spot nearby. Mom will most likely return for her baby when she thinks it is safe.

If you think a fawn is injured or in need of help, give us a call at Wolf Hollow-378 5000. We will be glad to talk with you and help work out if the fawn needs care or is just waiting for its mother. We can care for injured or orphaned fawns but don’t want to “kidnap” a perfectly healthy youngster.

Thank you,
Wolf Hollow

The High School Sailing Team – Contributed photo

Jake Beattie, the creator of the Race to Alaska will be presenting on the race that has drawn so much attention over the last two years. It’s a unique opportunity to hear a witty speaker talk about an exciting event and help support the high school sailing team.

In addition, we’ll have a Cinco De Mayo themed dinner, a dessert auction and a silent auction.

Thursday May 5th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at the San Juan Island Yacht Club
Adults $35, Students $25

Tickets available from team members & parents, calling/texting 415 370 5755 or email ioi.nige [@] gmail.com

The following is a press release contributed by Amerigroup Washington…

The SJI Family Resource Center on Market Street, across from FH Marketplace – SJ Update photo

San Juan County Non Profit Organizations, Amerigroup Washington Help Address Residents’ Health Needs
$8,000 contribution supports innovative programs aimed at helping improve the health of local residents

Everyday countless organizations in San Juan County work to improve the health of our communities and empower residents to live healthier lives. Three organizations…

• Lopez Island Family Resource Center
• Orcas Community Resource Center
• San Juan Island Family Resource Center

…recently received contributions from Amerigroup to support programs that engage local residents and encourage them to take charge of their health.

“We know that keeping our local communities healthy requires a dedicated partnership with key organizations,” said Daryl Edmonds, president, Amerigroup Washington. “We’re pleased to commit support to organizations that offer innovative programs that educate, motivate and encourage San Juan County residents to lead healthier lives.” Continue Reading

Ian Joujan, Firefighter I – Sheila Harley photo

Sheila Harley, Public Information Officer of SJI Fire/Rescue shares this month’s firefighter bio…

Ian is one of our newest firefighters on the San Juan Island Fire & Rescue team. He was born in Zambia, Africa of missionary parents but moved back to Tennessee when he was four years old. He has also lived in New Hampshire and in Colorado where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Youth Ministry with a minor in Sound Recording from Colorado Christian University.

He met his wife, Jessica, at the University and moved back here in 2009 after graduation. Jessica is actually from San Juan Island! Ian is working for her father, Dave Hall, owner of Island Glass. Ian and Jessica have four daughters ranging from 7 years to 8 months all of whom are, or will be, home schooled by their mom (Ian teaches them Math).

Ian has friends who are already in the Fire Department and had been debating on joining for a while but finding the time was the issue. He finally decided that he would try to balance another thing on his plate and it has worked out well for him and his family. When he is available, he jumps up and answers the call, when he is not, he doesn’t feel badly that he can’t go. He does his best to balance everything. Continue Reading

Opalco Leadership Afffirms April 30, 2016 Election; New Policy On Election Neutrality In The Works

At the regular meeting of OPALCO’s Board on Lopez Island last Thursday, General Manager Foster Hildreth apologized to the six candidates running for board positions and the membership as a whole for the inappropriate campaign endorsement sent by Rock Island Communications last week. After much discussion among the board and the more than 15 co-op members present, the Board passed a motion to stay the course on the April 30th board election and annual meeting and committed to establishing a clear policy on election neutrality for all employees, restricting campaign activities.

The two incumbent candidates recused themselves from voting on the motion. Staff presented an estimate of the costs to reschedule the election – approximately $50,000 – and discussed the logistical challenges. Board members and co-op members in attendance shared their opinions, raised questions and aired out grievances regarding the chain of events and OPALCO’s current election processes.

At the end of the discussion, all but one of the candidates agreed that it is not in the best interest of the Co-op to redo the election.

Hildreth thanked the Board, the members in attendance and especially the six candidates for their civility, respectful discourse and kindness in addressing a difficult topic. “This Co-op is very close to my heart,” he began. “I take it very seriously and assure you that this will not happen again.” Continue Reading

The soroptimists are looking for a few good face painters – Aaron Shepard photo

The Soroptimists of Friday Harbor will again offer face painting at the Children’s Festival this year. They are in need of face painters and helpers.

The Children Festival takes place on May 7th, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. We need to have more people for painting faces with an hour or two commitment and also some helpers to assist with set-up and clean-up at the end of day.

The face painting booths at the Children’s Festival and at the 4th of July Pig War Picnic have been a long standing part of our community.

Fresh volunteers are needed to continue offering these events to our children. Learning to paint faces is fun. Susie Nichols can be reached by voice or text at 317-6480 or Lisa Norkus at 370-7870.

Geoff Prentiss – Contributed photo

Geoff Prentiss of Prentiss Wickline Architecture and his business partner Tom Lenchek have merged with a Seattle firm and are now looking at nationwide expansion.

Geoff grew up coming up to San Juan Island to visit his grandmother and extended island family and to play on the beaches and hike in the woods.

Both of his grandparents were early residents of the island. Geoff’s family first homesteaded here in 1861. Geoff has remained tightly tied to the island and its beauty his entire life. He made San Juan his full time home starting in 1975 when he built his first home.

After starting an architectural practice in Seattle in the late 1980s, he now splits his time between the San Juans and Seattle. Geoff spends about 50% of his time at his cabin on San Juan, which sits on a piece of land his grandfather bought in 1918, surrounded by family.

Here’s an official press release about the merger: Continue Reading