Posted February 17, 2016 at 9:03 am by Tim Dustrude
The newest Washington State Ferry M/V Samish enters Friday Harbor – Aaron Shepard photo
According to KOMO News, the new ferry M/V Samish has a leak just below the waterline. Divers did an inspection and found a hole about the size of a quarter. Read more on KOMO’s website.
Posted February 17, 2016 at 5:54 am by Tim Dustrude
Garbage Archaeology – Contributed photo
Come and learn about Taxonomy with Dr. Candace Gossen and what is washing ashore at Deadman Bay. Skagit Valley College’s San Juan Center Anthropology students, are analyzing beach trash collected over the last year and are offering the chance to learn about Garbage Archaeology.
Dr. Candace Gossen is a Professional Registered Archaeologist, specializing in Environmental Archaeology and has spent the last 13 years working on Easter Island. She taught Archaeological Field Work in the spring of 2015, in which this garbage archaeology project was a part. She is currently teaching Cultural Anthropology at Skagit Valley College.
Garbage Archaeology Day at San Juan Historical Museum Resource Center
Friday, February 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information contact Dr. Candace Gossen at info [@] blackcoyotemedicine.org or the Historical Museum at museum [underscore] admin [@] sjmuseum.org
Posted February 17, 2016 at 5:45 am by Tim Dustrude
Lauren Cohen, Co-Owner of San Juan Canvas & Chamber Board President shares this month’s Chamber Chat…
Penny & Don Torkington, Gail & Randy Schnee and Tracy James – Contributed photo
February Social
Great thanks go out to Penny & Don Torkington of Sundries Court, Gail & Randy Schnee of Cotton, Cotton, Cotton and Tracy James of Eagle Mortgage for hosting this month’s Chamber of Commerce social. Sundries Court (formerly Jeri’s Mall) looks so beautiful and is a “must see” if you have not been in there since the remodel. It was wonderful to have Gail & Randy as well as Tracy open up their business spaces which also look fantastic. There was a great turnout of member businesses. The socials are a nice opportunity to meet fellow business owners/managers, hear updates and learn what is going on in the business community. The businesses of Sundries Court are certainly in for a busy season ahead.
Above and Beyond
Special recognition and a big pat on the back goes out to King’s Market for going above and beyond in helping a fellow islander. An island resident had a birthday recently. Her elderly mother off island could not get there to celebrate but wanted to do something special. Not really knowing who to contact, she called King’s Market asking if they sold flowers and her daughter’s favorite cake as well as how she might get it delivered. The staff member taking the call, of their own accord, put together a gift of flowers, cake and a special note and delivered it to the home of the birthday girl outside of town. How sweet is that? Now that is customer service and kindness above and beyond. Yay to King’s and the wonderful staff member that was so very thoughtful.
Note: If anyone has a story about one of our Chamber business members going “above and beyond” in customer service or kindness, please let us know at the Chamber so we can recognize them and say thanks! Continue Reading
Posted February 17, 2016 at 5:43 am by Tim Dustrude
Milene Henley – Contributed photo
This is the first 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.
2016 is a special year in elections. Not only is it a Presidential election year, it’s also a year in which we are guaranteed a new President, because of the two-term limit on the office. We’ve already endured months of campaigning, debates and news coverage leading to this point. Now we’re in the swing of state Presidential primaries and caucuses, as state political parties prepare to select their candidates for the general election ballot in November.
To recognize this important year, I’ll be posting a series of articles about elections in Washington State. For the first one, I’m starting with the question on everyone’s minds right now, which is: How does Washington’s hybrid caucus-primary system work?
Primaries are elections, conducted similarly to all other elections and open to all eligible voters, in which voters weigh in on which candidates should advance to the general election. Caucuses are meetings at which members of a single party consider platform, discuss candidates, and elect delegates to later conventions. In most caucus states, the caucus system determines which Presidential candidate the parties in that state will support. Continue Reading
Posted February 17, 2016 at 5:37 am by Tim Dustrude
Apple IPad – Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images
Get basic instruction in using an Apple iPad. Learn how to use built-in apps like the camera and Siri and how to connect to WiFi, find websites, and download apps. Bring your iPad and your Apple ID and password.
Please register at the Library: limited space available.
Thursday, February 18 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm
San Juan Island Library meeting room, free.
Posted February 17, 2016 at 5:26 am by Tim Dustrude
You’re invited to the EMS Open House.
Come and Meet our new Chief!
Friday February 19th from 4:30 to 7:00 pm at the EMS Building at 1079 Spring Street.
There will be Cookies and Tea, opportunity to talk to an EMT or Medic and you’ll see where all the action starts!
Posted February 16, 2016 at 5:50 am by Tim Dustrude
Suzanne and dogs – Contributed photo
Suzanne Brynner is the Animal Shelter’s “Volunteer of the Month” for February. Suzanne is currently pursuing her certification as a professional dog trainer and Canine Nose Work Instructor.
Suzanne spends time almost every day working with dogs at the shelter. In doing so, she helps to instill confidence in dogs who have been through a very stressful time in their lives. Suzanne’s work with the dogs makes them more confident and much more adoptable!
For her dedication and service to animals, Suzanne is our volunteer of the month!
Thank you so much, Suzanne!
Posted February 16, 2016 at 5:47 am by Tim Dustrude
Island Chordsmen Plus at the Pool – Cinda Sue Dow photo
Cinda Sue Dow shares this photo of the Island Chordsmen Plus, who did a surprise performance for the senior water arobic class last Friday.
Posted February 16, 2016 at 5:40 am by Tim Dustrude
3rd Saturday Grange Dance, at the San Juan Island Grange Hall. Saturday, February 20th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.
From Seattle, Amy Carroll calling with fiddler Laurel Stone, Craig Shaw on flute and Jay Finkelstein on guitar.
No partners or experience are needed and all dances are taught. $10 donation.
For more information call 378-3836, or find us on Facebook.
Posted February 16, 2016 at 5:35 am by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a Letter to the Editor from Diane Martindale…
Mark March 26 th on your calendars now for the Democratic caucuses in San Juan County. Hillary wants your vote that day.
Attention 17 year olds! If you are turning 18 on or before November 8 you CAN participate in the Democratic caucuses.
Hillary is a progressive who gets things done. She wants to make education attainable and her New College Compact will ensure that cost is not a barrier to getting your education, and that debt doesn’t hold anyone back from going to college.
Hillary’s vision for a more progressive America includes continuing to fight for the reforms needed so that hardworking Americans-regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation or socioeconomic background- can get ahead and stay ahead.
Please join us to build a more educated and prosperous USA.
Learn more at hillaryclinton.com and vote for Hillary Clinton on March 26.
Diane Martindale
Friday Harbor
Posted February 15, 2016 at 5:58 am by Tim Dustrude
The crew of Sabra, busy trimming spinnaker are clockwise from lower left – Alan, Richard, Jack and Stefan – John Miller photo
John Miller shares several images from Saturdays’ 16th annual Shaw Island Winter Classic.
The wide image is part of the 20+ racing fleet heading up SJ channel on the way to Wasp Passage. The last image, shot off the stern of SABRA, is the cutter Fiona from Orcas Island Yacht Club, followed by the Islander 30, Emoyeni, also from Orcas.
What a great day to be out on the water.
Shaw Island Winter Classic – John Miller photo
John Miller photo
Posted February 15, 2016 at 5:50 am by Tim Dustrude
Contributed photo
“They can have my blue tarp when they pry it out from under my cold, dead butt!” So says David in SJCT’s winter play, One Blue Tarp, opening at San Juan Community Theatre THIS Friday and Saturday, February 19-20 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, February 21 at 2:00 pm.
While the line might sound serious, Travis Baker’s play is meant to be funny and thought-provoking as he centers his plot on the rights of property owners. In this case, these owners live in Maine, but the story rings true for Northwesterners as well, as David fights for the right to keep a big pile of junk under a blue tarp in his front yard—even if it is an eyesore to tourists and his wife.
One Blue Tarp was named the “2013 Best Play for Maine” in the prestigious Clauder New England Playwright Competition, and was a finalist in the 2011 Eugene O’Neill Playwright’s Workshop. It eventually made its way to Friday Harbor’s On Book! Readers Theatre series last year, receiving enthusiastic responses from full-house audiences to become a fully-staged production in our Off the Rock! contemporary performance series.
Directed by Joy Van Camp, the play continues through March 5; two of the performances, on February 20 and February 21, will feature a “Talk Back” after the show featuring FH Town Administrator Duncan Wilson and moderator Tony Vivenzio.
For tickets: SJCT Box Office 378-3210 or www.sjctheatre.org
Posted February 15, 2016 at 5:44 am by Tim Dustrude
Irene is this week’s Pet of the Week – Contributed photo
Look, I’ll be honest with you. My therapist has suggested I set goals. Mine are as follows:
I thought I’d start small and work up to something bigger as time permits. Someday I’d like to own the complete Liza Minnelli box set on vinyl, but I’m in no hurry.
My name is Irene and I’m a delightful companion as long as I’m the only cat in the house. I think that’s reasonable, don’t you?
Now sit still so I can hypnotize you with my eyes…
Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor
111 Shelter Road
(360) 378-2158
Posted February 15, 2016 at 5:44 am by Tim Dustrude
Calling Local Musicians & Performers! 
Tell your friends, tell your neighbors, the San Juan County Fair is now accepting applications from local artists and performers for the 2016 Fair. The Fair is proud to feature all types of performances… from acappella groups to dance troupes – do you have a hidden talent you’d like to showcase at the Fair?
If you are interested, or would like to send a sample of your work to us, please complete an online application through the San Juan County Fair website: http://www.sjcfair.org/p/fair-event/performer-app
Don’t miss this opportunity to perform for your community!
Posted February 15, 2016 at 5:38 am by Tim Dustrude
Nelda Hastings, October 17, 1933 – February 4, 2016
Nelda Hastings, longtime Friday Harbor resident, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, February 4, 2016, following a brief illness.
Nelda was born on October 17, 1933, and was raised in Havre, Montana. After graduating high school, she attended a nurse training program at Montana Deaconess Hospital in Great Falls, Montana. There, she met Frank Hastings, who she later married on September 5, 1953.
The couple moved to Bozeman, Montana, to attend Montana State University. Nelda received her B.S. in nursing and became a licensed Registered Nurse. Throughout her distinguished career, she worked as an emergency room nurse, public health nurse, and school nurse. Nelda made many friends from all over the world while living in Montana, Arizona, Arkansas, Washington, Netherlands, and South Korea.
Nelda was an avid knitter, and she enjoyed sewing and pursuing her love of genealogy. She was an active volunteer, making layettes and health kits for Lutheran World Relief and volunteering for many San Juan Island organizations. She was an active member of the Lutheran Church of the San Juans. Nelda’s quiet dignity and grace will be missed by the many she touched.
Nelda is survived by her husband of 63 years, Frank Hastings; four children, Michael Hastings, Sue Kriebel, Beth Anderson, and Brian Hastings; six grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first beloved granddaughter, Elizabeth.
A Memorial Celebration of Life service will be held at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 760 Park St., Friday Harbor, WA on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. Bright colors in celebration of Nelda’s life are encouraged. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Nelda’s favorite charity:
Lutheran World Relief
PO Box 17061
Baltimore, MD 21298‐9832
http://lwr.org/donate/waystogive
Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.
Posted February 14, 2016 at 11:35 am by Tim Dustrude
Click to enlarge
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Mary Jean Cahail shares this collection of Valentines that she found in the Historical Society’s archives. These valentines are dated between 1907 and 1931.
Click to enlarge