Contributed photo

With character names like Headmaster Albatross Underdrawers and Lord Murderdeath, it’s not just the title of the Friday Harbor Middle School play that says “fun with a classic book, movie and cultural phenomenon.”

The Players present Dean O’Carroll’s Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone at San Juan Community Theatre on Friday and Saturday, March 18-19 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 20 at 2:00 p.m.

After reading about a famous boy wizard, Sally dreams that she is a student at Frogbull Academy of Sorcery and meets up with Underdrawers, Gamekeeper Ruebenon Ryebread, Professor Shiftia Shape, friends Dave and Harmonica and the evil Lord Murderdeath.

While hilarious and fun for the young actors and their audiences, director Jenni Merritt says the parody holds a subtle reminder of how one fantastical book can transform a generation.

The Business Partner for the production is Printonyx. All tickets are $11 each, with $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. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.sjctheatre.org.

Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone CAST List: Continue Reading

The Start Date for this series has been postponed to March 30 – For more information, call Oak at 298-4904.

Five Weeks * Five Meals * Unlimited Support

Our Common Bond – A Cancer Care Support Group is back. This program for cancer patients, survivors and their significant others, returns Wednesday, March 16 for five sessions. Each session focuses on a different theme –

1. trust
2. gratitude
3. sorrow & loss
4. hope
5. comfort & joy

and includes dinner and conversation.

It is hosted and facilitated by Bonnie Oak Boesky and Dawn Alger, R.N. Oak is a third year doctoral student in education, focusing on how we can create lives of meaning and purpose by re-storying our lives. Dawn has years of experience as an oncology nurse. Together they provide a warm and caring environment to find support while exploring life with cancer from several different perspectives.

The group will meet every other Wednesday: March 30, April 13 and 27, May 11 and May 25, from 6-8:30 p.m. Dinner is provided, and food sensitivities are accommodated. Please call Oak at 298-4904 to confirm your participation and for location and directions.

This program is funded by the San Juan Island Community Foundation.

Skagit Valley College San Juan Center (SJC), Washington State University Extension San Juan County, and the Port of Friday Harbor celebrated 20 years of partnership at a special reception that was held on March 3rd at the SJC in Friday Harbor.

Hosted by Skagit Valley College and the SVC Foundation, the event provided an opportunity for community members to gather and learn about SVC’s strong partnership with WSU and the Port of Friday Harbor and how the ongoing relationship serves the educational needs of the residents of the San Juans. After a welcome from Randy Martin, Director of the San Juan Center, the program included remarks by Dr. Laura Cailloux, Vice President of SVC’s Whidbey Island Campus and Centers, Dr. Tom Keegan, President of SVC, Greg Hertel, Friday Harbor Port Commissioner and a SJC science instructor, and Kristina Bayas, Interim Director of WSU San Juan County Extension.

“Skagit Valley College is committed to the San Juan Center and our core themes of access, achievement, and community,” said Dr. Keegan. “Our partnership with WSU and the Port of Friday Harbor illustrates how organizations work together to benefit an entire community.” Continue Reading

The Cocoon of Cancer: An Invitation to Love Deeply
by Abbe Rolnick with Jim Wiggins

So many of us have been or are now caregivers for family members and friends diagnosed with cancer or a debilitating illness. And as caregivers we, ourselves, often need and appreciate support or a boost. You’ll find a big dose of support as well as practical tips for caregiving in Abbe Rolnick’s just-released memoir, The Cocoon of Cancer: An Invitation to Love Deeply. Griffin Bay Bookstore is proud to host Abbe Rolnick on Saturday evening, March 26, at 7:00 pm.

Caregivers, members of our medical community, patients, and any member of our community will have the opportunity to hear firsthand how Abbe and her husband, Jim Wiggins, dealt with the changes in their lives after he was diagnosed with an uncommon form of blood cancer. Their collaboration—The Cocoon of Cancer—is a collection of essays and poems, written in “real time,” offering an insider’s look at how there was an attitude of wonder, defiance, acceptance, and beauty in the midst of their painful journey. Continue Reading

This is from KOMO News’s YouTube channel. Quite some waves in Rosario Strait yesterday afternoon. The video is 8 minutes long, but the best part is between 2:30 and about 3:15 minutes. So if you’re in a hurry, just cue it up to 2:20 or so. Go full screen for the best effect.  And… if you’re easily affected by motion sickness, you might want to pop a couple Dramamine first…

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

Whooo Hooo! Out of my way everybody – I’m pretty fast! I’ve got lots of running and playing to do since I found out there’s an ENORMOUS world outside the puppy room at the animal shelter!

My name is Buck, and I’m just about 9 weeks old and ready to see what else this big old world has to offer. If you come to the shelter to meet me you’ll get to meet my sister, Lu-Lu and my brother, Roy. Be prepared to fall in love…

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

The Class of 2016 after the victory – Contributed photo

The annual Seniors Vs. Staff basketball game took place last Friday. The evening started with a hamburger meal put on by the parents of the FHHS students, included musical entertainment at half time, raised money for the seniors grad night party, and of course culminated with the ever popular basketball game.

At half time, high school teachers, Troutman, Sawyer, Cullen, and Visiglia, performed a song. In addition, members of the high school jazz band played Valerie by Amy Winehouse for the croud, with Eric Sabel singing lead.

Then, cheerleaders-for-the-night Will Christison-Williamson, Keegan Hebert, and Thomas Synoground performed a half time show that got the crowd riled up.

Tip off was at 6:30 and the seniors started off strong with a 12 point lead, but the staff caught up quickly. Action throughout was pretty intense and the teams remained neck and neck for the rest of the game. And finally, the last four minutes were very nerve-wracking. With the seniors down by two, Kyle Janguard sank a 3-pointer, bringing it up to 37-35. That was the final score. Seniors win.

Juvenile Rufous Hummingbird – Tim Dustrude photo

Richard W. Wright shares this article on hummingbirds…

Hummingbird season is upon us. The little migratory Rufous Hummingbird has returned from its usual wintering grounds in Mexico. Hordes of Rufous Hummingbirds will pass through our area on their way north to SE Alaska, but many will stay here to breed and raise young. The Annas Hummingbird is the second hummingbird species that frequent our islands. They are not migratory and they will hang around all winter, especially if fed at feeders.

It is very important to keep our feeders clean and, especially, to keep out black mold. Black mold is dangerous to the health of hummers and can kill them. It is recommended by most hummingbird experts to kill the mold in your feeders periodically, at least once a month. To kill the mold, soak the feeder in a solution of bleach and water (1/4 cup to a gallon of water) for an hour or so. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward. Full strength vinegar can also be used as an alternative to bleach.

The ratio of sugar to water should be 1 to 4. An example would be one cup of sugar to 4 cups of water. Cane sugar (sucrose) is preferred. Do not use honey, brown sugar, or red dye. Honey will ferment fast and can kill the hummers. Brown sugar can have impurities in it. Red dye is also potentially problematic. It may cause tumors, though this is not proven…yet. But why take the chance? Don’t use it. It is important not to let the nectar sit too long, allowing it to ferment. Change it at least once a week; more often in hot weather. Sugar nectar is basic fuel for hummers. It gives them the energy to hunt for their protein source… small insects and spiders.

In choosing a feeder, find one that is easy to clean. Avoid feeders with yellow “flowers”. Yellow will attract bees, wasps, and yellow jackets. Basin type feeders (such as the HummZinger) are easy to clean. Hummers can feed at them, but bees, wasps, and yellow jackets can’t reach the nectar to feed.

Enjoy our little island jewels. They are amazing birds and fun to watch.

Richard W. Wright

Have you wondered what is going on behind the Greenway Construction sign that is transforming that empty space in the middle of town into a vibrant part of Friday Harbor’s historic look?

Stacie and Bobby Tangney are expanding Haley’s Sports Bar and Grill into the space next door, which was once occupied by Sam’s shoe store and a real estate office.

Bobby said it will provide more kitchen space, a proper banquet facility and will also feature a takeout Fish & Chips and Ice Cream joint. Stacie says to look for the Grand Opening signs around June 1st.

It’s tomorrow morning at 2:00 AM – Daylight Saving Time begins.

Spring is almost here and the days are getting longer.

Don’t forget to set your clock forward one hour – (Probably when you go to bed tonight) so at 2:00 AM it will really be 3:00 AM.

What’s Your Vision for County Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas?

Join your community in conversation. Details below.

Every six years, the County’s Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas Plan is updated to ensure that the plan responds to community needs and priorities and provides clear direction for the identification, development, and management of parks, trails, and natural areas. You have the opportunity to weigh in. Join us at an open house to:

• Hear about the Plan update.
• Provide input on community needs and priorities for parks, trails, and natural areas.
• Chat one-on-one with the project team.

Join Us!

No RSVP required. For more information about this event or to learn about other community involvement events and opportunities, please contact Dona Wuthnow at DonaW [@] sanjuanco.com.

Free Tax Help at Mullis Center

Photo courtesy of Dustrude Photography

Tax service is available for low and moderate income taxpayers at the Mullis Center through April 14th from 11:30 to 3:30pm Thursdays only.

Simple returns prepared. To schedule an appointment call 378-2677.

This service is generously provided by Jim Biddick and John Carl from Orcas Island.

Online Auction with Orcas Island Theme Begins March 15

“A Home for The Concerto Project: A Pacific Northwest Program for Young Adults with Autism” is the theme of The Concerto Project’s online auction, which will open March 15 and close on March 30. The donations that have been offered will appeal to Islanders and others who love Orcas Island.

Auction items include

• A variety of beautiful wall art, including paintings, prints, photographs, and a charming wall quilt, all by resident island artists
• Tickets for the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival with 2 evenings at Kingfish Inn
• Tickets, camping and parking passes to the Imagine Music and Art Festival
• Gift certificates for meals and more at the Artworks and Catkin Café, Roses Bakery and Café, and Orcas Island Pottery
• Two nights at a beautiful beachfront cottage during the Orcas Film Festival

Please visit The Concerto Project’s website for a link to the auction. Those wishing to contribute items to the auction, please contact Susan McBain, slmcbain [@] concertoproject.org

The mission of The Concerto Project is to provide young adults on the autism spectrum with the vocational, social, and practical skills necessary for engaged and sustainable futures. This auction follows the momentum of a recent fundraising dinner at Dahlia Lounge in Seattle. Currently a nationwide crowdfunding campaign meant to gain contributions large and small, is in process. These events will all help to further the mission of The Concerto Project as it raises funds to purchase historic Mount Baker Farm on Orcas Island as the program campus.

EDC offers FREE workshop on business planning and financing

The San Juan County Economic Development Council will present a FREE workshop for small businesses and entrepreneurs on San Juan Island, on Tuesday, March 22nd from 10:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. Advance registration is required.

The business and financing workshop course material will be presented by Tony Salas of the Economic Development Association of Skagit County, a management consultant for over a decade.

As part of the workshop, Salas will cover business financing, discuss a variety of financing options and will provide a reality check for those considering a new or expanded business venture. He will be available for one-on-one consultation after the workshop.

Participants in the workshop will leave with the resources and support they need to create a business plan including a realistic financial plan. In addition, Salas will cover current federal and Washington State tax incentive programs for small businesses.

Details: San Juan Island, on Tuesday, March 22nd from 10:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. at Heritage Bank in Friday Harbor. Advance registration is required; please call 360-378-2906 to reserve your space, or email: info [@] sanjuansedc.org.

Five Weeks * Five Meals * Unlimited Support

Our Common Bond – A Cancer Care Support Group is back. This program for cancer patients, survivors and their significant others, returns Wednesday, March 16 for five sessions. Each session focuses on a different theme –

1. trust
2. gratitude
3. sorrow & loss
4. hope
5. comfort & joy

and includes dinner and conversation.

It is hosted and facilitated by Bonnie Oak Boesky and Dawn Alger, R.N. Oak is a third year doctoral student in education, focusing on how we can create lives of meaning and purpose by re-storying our lives. Dawn has years of experience as an oncology nurse. Together they provide a warm and caring environment to find support while exploring life with cancer from several different perspectives.

The group will meet every other Wednesday: March 16 and 30, April 13 and 27 and May 11, from 6-8:30 p.m. Dinner is provided, and food sensitivities are accommodated. Please call Oak at 298-4904 to confirm your participation and for location and directions.

This program is funded by the San Juan Island Community Foundation.

Barbara and John Jensen of SJI’s Audubon invite you to Birdfest this Spring…

Click to enlarge

The festival with the most spectacular setting! Visit the Olympic Peninsula to discover the birds of the coastal Pacific Northwest—Marbled Murrelets, Rhinoceros Auklets, Harlequin Ducks, dippers, Black Oystercatchers, Long-tailed Ducks, and more. Guided field trips, a boat cruise in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, silent auction, and a gala banquet.

Our featured speaker is Tony Angell: “Revealing the Secret Lives of Owls”. Join the Birdfest Pre-trip for a three-day, two-night birding cruise of the San Juan Islands, April 12-14. Immediately following BirdFest April 17-19, join us out in Neah Bay exploring northwest coastal Washington by land and sea, a region rarely seen by birders. The timing of the Olympic BirdFest is set to overlap wintering birds and the beginning of spring migration.

In addition to the field trips, birders may participate in presentations, workshops and a banquet. A tour explaining the Jamestown S’Klallam tribal totem poles at the Tribal Center and the Seven Cedars Casino will also be offered.

Visit http://www.olympicbirdfest.org or call (360) 681-4076 for more information