Posted November 20, 2015 at 5:42 am by Tim Dustrude
The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor is looking for help transporting three small dogs to the island from the Seattle area, Saturday, November 28.
If anyone plans to be in the Seattle area that day, and has room in their car for three small crates, please contact Jan at 378-2158 to make arrangements.
The dogs are rescues from a high-kill shelter near Mexicali who look forward to finding their forever homes here in Friday Harbor! Your help is greatly appreciated!
Posted November 20, 2015 at 5:35 am by Peggy Sue McRae
Park Ranger Mike Vouri – Contributed Photo
Mike Vouri shares his twenty years experience with the Parks…
Watch decades pass before your eyes in flash when Park Ranger/Historian Mike Vouri presents “Twenty Years at San Juan Island National Historical Park: A Personal Retrospective,” scheduled 7 p.m., December 2 at the San Juan Island Library. The program is free. Contact the park at 378-2240, ext. 2227 or 2228 for accessibility information.
Vouri will retire on December 31 after nearly 21 years at as an interpreter and historian, occupying the same office at the American Camp Visitor Center. Along the way he saw the park grow from 1,752 to 2,134 acres and develop from an organization largely focused on history to one that also celebrates its natural resources that include forest, prairie and saltwater shoreline.
“I’m a historian, so naturally we developed programming that addressed that, but I also was interested in the flora and fauna,” Vouri said. “It was a challenge to interpret them creatively as before I arrived here I couldn’t tell you the difference between a Douglas fir and hemlock. Fortunately I was blessed with co-workers and San Juan Islanders who have been able teachers.” Continue Reading
Posted November 19, 2015 at 5:50 am by Tim Dustrude
Islands Museum of Art – Tim Dustrude photo
The San Juan Islands Museum of Art (IMA) welcomes the community to our fourth exhibition of works by more than 70 countywide Artists’ Registry members.
This is a joyous affair, a riot of art and color displaying an amazing range of talent. Look forward to the impressive diversity of local talent with paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and encaustic, as well as pastels, photography, mixed media, pottery, sculpture, glass, wood, textiles and jewelry by Artists’ Registry members.
This year’s show, organized around Tattered, Torn & Sepia features emerging and established artists expressing the beauty, identity, authenticity and connectedness of our community. The IMA artists embrace our islands as a place of enduring discovery and their art as advocating for their own most spirited selves.
Much of the artwork is for sale, to simplify your holiday shopping and assure continued enjoyment. Continue Reading
Posted November 19, 2015 at 5:45 am by Peggy Sue McRae
Mt Grant – Contributed Photo
Tanja Williamson at the San Juan County Land Bank invites you to participate…
Join FHHS students, Eli Cooper-West and Corbin Williams, on their community project helping improve the accessibility of trails on the summit of Mt. Grant.
When? Sunday, November 22, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
IMPORTANT: Please RSVP by email tanjaw [@] rockisland [.] com or phone Tanja at 360-370-7655.
Where? Mount Grant Preserve is off of West Valley Road. Meet at the ridge top parking area (the road will be open for driving access to the top).
What? Dry-setting stone to build up trail, surfacing with gravel, compacting gravel, and lots of little finish work details.
Please bring/wear: Weather-appropriate clothing. Land Bank will provide most tools but additional wheelbarrows, rakes, shovels, and McClouds would be appreciated.
Weather?: In the event of questionable weather (anything worse than light rain showers), we will be deciding the night before the work party if it’s a go or not. Please check your emails in the morning for any-last minute changes.
Posted November 19, 2015 at 5:40 am by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a note that Peace Island Medical Center would like to share with you…
PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center in Friday Harbor has received recognition for overall excellence in all four hospital performance categories assessed by the National Organization of State Office of Rural Health (NOSORH), using data from public data sources. This recognition places the hospital in the top quartile of all acute care hospitals in the nation for performance in the areas evaluated.
Among the 39 rural hospitals in the State of Washington, PeaceHealth Peace Island is one of seven to be recognized for excellence in quality, one of 14 for excellence in outcomes, one of 10 for excellence in patient satisfaction, and one of six for excellence in financial strength.
“I’m very pleased the hospital has received this recognition. It’s a testament to our caregivers’ hard work and their dedication to excellent patient care and service, as well as a reflection of our commitment to the health of the community,” said Jim Barnhart, chief administrative officer for PeaceHealth Peace Island.
Rural hospitals in Washington provide essential health care services to 15 percent of the population in more than 70 percent of the state’s area. PeaceHealth Peace Island is the only hospital in San Juan County, serving nearly 16,000 residents.
Indicators relevant to hospital performance and patient care were collected from public data and then aggregated for NOSORH by iVantage Health Analytics, a business analytic and advisory services company.
Posted November 18, 2015 at 5:55 am by Peggy Sue McRae
Monsters, Gargoyles – Jan Bollwinkel-Smith Photo
Vegetarian vampires and rock ‘n’ roll werewolves, oh my!
We Are Monsters, San Juan Community Theatre’s latest family theatre production, is presented in the Whittier THIS Thursday* through Saturday, November 19-21 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, November 22 at 2:00 pm.
The musical by Denver Casado and Betina Hershey follows human kids into a monster cabaret where they gradually realize there may be more to these monsters than meets the eye! Most importantly, the monsters and kids discover the importance of friendship and celebrating in the attributes that make each of us different and unique.
Posted November 18, 2015 at 5:50 am by Tim Dustrude
The Community Thanksgiving Dinner has moved to the Mullis Community Senior Center.
Jim and Minnie Knych – Contributed photo
After 15 years at the Grange, we are moving to a bigger venue for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner. There will be more seating for diners available at the Mullis Center. But the menu will be the same: roast turkey, dressing, green beans almandine, mashed potatoes, maple yams, and Waldorf salad.
We will be serving dinner from 12 noon to 5:00 pm. Bring a pie for the pot luck dessert table or just show up on Thanksgiving Day at the Mullis Community Center to enjoy a wonderful meal.
If you have already signed up to volunteer to help out, thank you! If not, there are still open positions for help… We need Turkey Roasters, (We provide a seasoned, oven-ready turkey that you pick up on Wednesday afternoon – Nov. 25. You put it in the oven on Thanksgiving Day and bring it hot and ready to serve to the Dinner at the Mullis Center.)
We also need lots of help at various times in the kitchen and dining room. Please call Minnie or Jim Knych at 378-7040 if you want to volunteer.
Here is a cool video posted on San Juan Update in 2011
And here is our website for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner.
Posted November 18, 2015 at 5:47 am by Tim Dustrude
Click to enlarge
Flea AND CRAFT Market December 5th
It’s almost the last chance for Holiday sales opportunities!
After the Holiday Fair, gear up for another opportunity… The Flea & Craft Fair at the Fairgrounds. All islanders are welcome to sign up for a space, and of course, shop!
It’s not just a Flea Market anymore!
Saturday, December 5th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
At the San Juan County Fairgrounds
Visit www.sjcfair.org for vendor info!
Posted November 18, 2015 at 5:45 am by Tim Dustrude
Ray and Donna Caldwell – Contributed photo
Local Donna Caldwell was recently diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer and the cost of her life-saving treatments are quickly adding up!
All proceeds from this fundraiser will go toward helping Donna and her husband Ray with bills and cost of treatments.
Thursday, December 10th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at The Legion
For details, donations or reservations contact:
courtneyoldwyn [@] gmail.com or 378-0081
Posted November 18, 2015 at 5:40 am by Tim Dustrude
Click to enlarge poster
From Seattle, Tom & Amy Wimmer calling with the Bellingham band The Alphabeats – Cylde and Susan Curley (who both used to live on the island) on fiddle and piano, Mike Haberman on mandolin and Kris Parker on bass.
Posted November 17, 2015 at 5:46 am by Tim Dustrude
Memorial Park at the tree lighting ceremony – Tim Dustrude photo
Barbara Marrett of the SJI Visitor’s Bureau shares this info about events happening around here this holiday season…
Island Lights Festival Brings Good Cheer
Stay home to shop and celebrate cozy holidays island-style
Why not stay home or visit a neighboring island to ring in the season? Eastsound Village Green, Lopez Village and Friday Harbor will all sparkle during their signature lighting events with singing by local choirs, cookies and hot cider to brighten spirits. There’s so much to do during the Island Lights Festival and beyond, with holiday plays and concerts; wine tastings and dinners; special restaurant and lodging packages and more. Take a walk on a stormy beach, cozy up to glass of local wine by the fire, or get a rejuvenating massage. Shop small-scale at artisans’ fairs, boutiques, galleries and independent bookstores for one-of-a-kind gifts.
For the first time ever, the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau is running a small campaign to entice visitors here during November and December – our quiet season. Visitors are invited to: “Make everyday a celebration in November and December. Savor the simple pleasures of carolers, tree lightings, quiet bookstores, uncrowded shops featuring local artists and artisans, and snug firesides. Make the San Juan Islands your personal holiday retreat.” Find more suggestions for a Cozy Island Holiday on our “Featured Itineraries” section at www.visitsanjuans.com.
Friday Harbor/San Juan Island Events:
And if you’re heading off island…
Lopez Island Events:
Orcas Island Events:
Additional holiday events and specials, as they are added, maybe found at this link.
Posted November 17, 2015 at 5:46 am by Tim Dustrude
Daisy is this week’s Pet of the Week – Traci Walter photo
Well, Friday Harbor… I’m here. My name is Daisy and I just arrived at your animal shelter last week, all the way from Portland. I may be short, but trust me – I make up for my diminutive size with my BIG personality!
I’m all Dachshund, through and through, which means I’m going to need someone who enjoys cuddling on the sofa with a snuggly blanket.
Best of all, I’m six years old and very sophisticated and worldly.
None of that crazy puppy behavior here. Stop by the shelter to meet me soon! Bring a blanket!
Animal Protection Society of Friday harbor
111 Shelter Road
(360) 378-2158
Posted November 17, 2015 at 5:45 am by Tim Dustrude
As The Animal Protection Society continues its efforts to raise funds for a new animal shelter here, the current shelter building is showing signs of wear and tear after over thirty years of service to the community.
The roof leaks in places, doors and windows are drafty and the chain link fencing is broken in places; to name just a few things in need of repair.
Last week, after many years of service, the heating system broke. The repairs needed are extensive and although parts are on order; they are not due to arrive for several days.
Staff and volunteers are busy trying to keep the dogs and cats at the shelter warm in the interim, with space heaters and microwaveable heating pads, but extra blankets are needed during this cold snap to help insulate kennels and provide warmth for the animals at the shelter.
If you have blankets to donate to the animal shelter, please drop them off at 111 Shelter Road. Thanks very much!
Posted November 17, 2015 at 5:35 am by Tim Dustrude
There will be a Spaghetti Feed at the Masonic Lodge for the Friday Harbor Boxing Gym on November 20th at 6:00 pm.
Andy Stromburg, James Guard, and the Masons are putting on a dinner to raise money for new equipment at the community boxing gym. Spaghetti, garlic bread and a dessert auction at 6:00 at the Masonic Lodge. $12 per person.
Posted November 16, 2015 at 10:13 am by Tim Dustrude
The Traveling Red Chair in line for the ferry – Diana Mancel photo
Story by Diana Mancel
Friday Harbor is known for being a bit eccentric, but even longtime Islanders took a second look on Sunday when a lone wooden red chair took its place in the ferry line.
This Chair is a seasoned traveler: it was involved in a Vermont wedding, hiked up a New Hampshire hill, and hung out with the Coast Guard in Oregon. There is a rumor about a brief affair with a Blue Chair in California. This week, Harrison House Suites in Friday Harbor is the Red Chair’s official home.
Anna Maria de Freitas & Dave Pass, owners of the Tucker House/Harrison House Suites Bed and Breakfast (www.tuckerhouse.com), have many plans for the Red Chair before it departs on the Friday morning ferry to its next accommodations.
Red Chair visits the Whale Museum – Diana Mancel photo
So far, the Chair has been to the Whale Museum, checked out some Island Roadside Oddities, has signed up for a whale watching tour with Legacy Charters and a Scoot Coupe ride with Susie’s Mopeds. All along the way, there will be photos and diary entries for the Chair’s experiences, and these mementos will become a part of the ongoing blog the Chair began recording in 2011.
The idea of handing off the Red Chair to various bed and breakfast establishments began four years ago with the Innkeeper of Woods Hole Inn in Cape Cod, who posted a photo on Facebook of the same red chair sitting on a frozen pond. A California photographer saw the post and asked to borrow it, then passed it on to a California Innkeeper. Since then, the Chair has been to Santa Fe, has gone geocaching, and had more than one glass of wine along the way. You can follow the Red Chair online at Red Chair Travels.
Posted November 16, 2015 at 10:12 am by Tim Dustrude
Lynn from the Friday Harbor Film Festival shares a summary with us of this year’s event…
The 3rd Annual Friday Harbor Film Festival was a grand success! There were 32 films and 12 shorts screened in 5 separate venues during the 3 full days of the Film Festival.
The rain did not seem to damper attendance: 18% more attended than last year, plus, 20 filmmakers from around the world; Chile to France also attended! We had over 100 students attend films using their free student passes! Many restaurants and hotels reported a surprising increase in business for a rainy November weekend!
There were 4 special events during the Film Festival. Friday night was the Opening Night Gala at the SJC Theatre. Megan Vivenzio started the evening with a lovely Polynesian dance. Sam and Barbara Buck were honored as our 2015 Local Heroes! A wonderful slide show was presented that highlighted all their contributions to our community.
Next Jimmy Moe sang 2 romantic songs in the style of Frank Sinatra, in honor of both the Bucks who had been married 64 years and our Andrew V. McLaglen Lifetime Achievement Award winners Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross, who have enjoyed 31 years of marriage! A montage of Sam and Katharine’s iconic roles both individually and together were screened along with a warm, genuine, 6-minute video thank you to the Friday Harbor Film Festival from Sam Elliott. (Sam has generously agreed to allow us to post his thank you on our web site, fhff.org, watch for it!) Continue Reading