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It’s almost time for the first Community Dinner of the Year! The Dinner is from 5:30 -7:30 in the High School Commons. Suggested Donations are $12 for Adults and $6 for kids under 12 years old.

• The menu is awesome!
• Roasted Pork Loin with Herbed Crust
• Apple, Leek and Parmesan Stuffing
• Sweet Potato and Yam Mash
• Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Caramelized Onions
• Local Fall Salad Featuring: Mama Bird Farm Greens, Quail Croft Goat Cheese, Nootka Rose Farm Beets and Mitchell Bay Farm Asian Pears

Dessert by Mr. Hendricks’ Baking Class

There will also be a STEM Open House from 6:00-7:00. The public is encouraged to tour the new building, meet the STEM team, watch some student demonstrations and enjoy a Community Dinner.

We have invited some of our State Reps and local County Council and they will be in attendance. Senator Ranker will also be trying to attend the event.

Thanks for your support!

Beatrice Grauman-Boss, Tyler Ryan, Susan Williams, and James Gull – Keith Busha photo

Yockers Brings American Classic to SJCT Stage

Susan Williams as Amanda – Keith Busha photo

Some 71 years after premiering in Chicago and moving on to winning the New York Drama Critics Circle Award in 1945, Tennessee Williams’ classic, The Glass Menagerie, premieres on San Juan Community Theatre’s Whittier stage Friday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Considered Williams’ first successful play, it is also one of San Juan Island resident Fred Yockers’ favorites and seemed the perfect way for him to return to directing at SJCT. Five years ago, Fred retired from his 19 years as Friday Harbor High School and Middle School drama coach where he directed annual plays presented in the Whittier—popular productions that appealed to the entire community.

“Tennessee Williams is my favorite playwright ever. He is a poet whose dialogue is electric,” said Fred. “The play is nearly perfect in its construction—a classic vignette of hope rising and families dealing with crisis.”

Beatrice Grauman-Boss as Laura – Keith Busha photo

Yockers says he is thrilled with the island actors he cast for the memory play—saying the level of craftsmanship among the actors and crew makes the action on stage “completely engrossing.” The Glass Menagerie cast features Susan Williams as Amanda, Tyler Ryan as Tom, Beatrice Grauman-Boss as Laura and James Gull as Jim. The play continues October 10-11, 15-17 and 22-24.

James Gull as Jim and Tyler Ryan as Tom – Keith Busha photo

The Business Partner for the play is Kings Market. Tickets are $22 for adults and $11 for student reserved; $5 student RUSH at the door if any seats are available; Thursdays, October 15 and 22 are “Pay What You Can Thursdays.” 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. www.sjctheatre.org or 378-3210.

The first of these forums is tonight at 7:00 pm at the Grange. Here’s a quick reminder…

League of Women Voters of the San Juans Sponsors Election Forums

Once again, the League of Women Voters of the San Juans will sponsor forums where candidates and speakers on ballot issues will address the public, and take questions.

The schedule is as follows:

• Tuesday, Oct. 6 on San Juan Island at 7 p.m at the Grange in Friday Harbor.
• Wednesday, Oct. 7 on Orcas Island at 6 p.m. at the American Legion Hall near Country Corner in Eastsound.
• Thursday, Oct. 8 on Lopez Island at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church.

Ballots are mailed out previous to the start of the 18-day voting period on October 16.

For further information about the Nov. 3 election, go to https://wei.sos.wa.gov/county/sanjuan/en/Pages/default.aspx, or email elections [@] sanjuanco [.] com or phone (360) 378-3357.

Peyton and Eli are this week’s Pets of the Week – Contributed photo

Hi there! We’re the Manning brothers. Peyton and Eli. We’re probably the nicest dogs you’ll ever meet. We’re about 7 years old and although we’re brothers we think it would be best if we went our separate ways now…

If you’re looking for a pal to go hiking with or to help you out on your farm or to share your sofa – you’ll want to meet us.

We get along great with other dogs, and we’re perfect gentlemen on a leash. We tip the scales at around 80 pounds each, so you’ll need to have a sofa big enough for one of us and YOU! Let’s cuddle up and watch some football!

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

Did you ever want to dress up as a zombie and dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”? Thrill the World is a worldwide celebration of dance and community inspired by Michael Jackson, and this year you can join the fun in Friday Harbor! Join with thousands of people around the world to dance simultaneously to this classic zombie hit.

Krista Strutz is organizing the local event which happens on October 24th at Brickworks at 3:00 PM. If you want to be a part of it, you need know the dance in order to participate. Check out the get-ready practices at PARC business park, on Thursdays between now and then, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm, and also at XYZ Studio on these next 2 Sundays at 3:00 pm.

So – Learn the dance, dress up like a zombie (there’s a costume contest as well), show up at Brickworks at 2:00 – 2:30 to register and be ready to shake it at 3:00 sharp, October 24th.

More info on the local event is available on Facebook at this link.

Below is a video from the SF Bay Area event from 2011:

Well better late than never… because of yours truly this video wasn’t put together until just this past weekend, but on the bright side – now that this year’s county fair is as far in the past as it is, this might bring up good warm, fuzzy memories of fair time.

This is the Flash Mob at the Trashion Fashion show which was organized by Madrona Jameson, Zach and Luke Fincher and the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition. Turn up your speakers and enjoy!

Here’s a press release from the National Park Service…

A view of the bluff from South Beach – Contributed photo

FRIDAY HARBOR, Washington– More than 14 years of planning, one and half years of design and six months of heavy construction will culminate in a ribbon cutting and celebration of the Cattle Point Road Realignment Project scheduled at 11 a.m., Thursday October 15 at the American Camp visitor center, 4668 Cattle Point Road.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony—which will take place, weather permitting, at the Jackson Scenic Overlook—will include remarks by representatives of the agencies involved in the project, in addition to members of the state’s Congressional delegation, if possible, according to Jerald Weaver, acting park superintendent and Shannon Wilbur, senior project engineer for the San Juan County Public Works department.

Because of limited parking at the overlook, attendees will be shuttled from the American Camp visitor center parking area beginning at 10 a.m. Overflow parking also will be available at the Redoubt parking area, as well as along the Redoubt Road. A reception will follow the ceremony in a pavilion to be erected adjacent to the American Camp visitor center. Continue Reading

What would happen to your business as a result of a major disaster in the San Juan Islands?  Are you, your property and your data prepared?  Join the San Juan County Economic Development Council for a FREE workshop on Disaster Preparedness for Business, October 28th from 9-11 a.m., videoconferenced at the Lopez and San Juan Island Public Libraries.

In this course, participants will learn to prepare their businesses for disasters, and to recover from them.  The course will help business owners and managers to review insurance coverage, to prepare for utility disruptions, secure facilities, buildings and plans, back up financial records, prepare employees for emergencies, and to create effective emergency communication plans.

Dave Halloran from the San Juan County Department of Emergency Management, Barbara Marrett from the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, and Gigi Zakula from Islanders Insurance will lead the workshop.

Details:  This free workshop will be videoconferenced live on Wednesday, October 28th from 9-11 at the Lopez and San Juan Island Libraries.  Refreshments will be served and printed materials will be available to take away.   Advance registration is requested; please call 360-378-2906 to reserve your space, or email:  info [@] sanjuansedc [.] org.

The EDC thanks Islanders Bank, Heritage Bank, San Juan County government, the Town of Friday Harbor, the Ports of Friday Harbor, Lopez and Orcas, and Island Market for supporting our Business Education Series.   This workshop is not sponsored by the Lopez Island or San Juan Island Library.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) strives to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County.  We believe a strong economy builds a strong community.   The EDC works to build an environment that helps business owners create jobs.  We serve business:  linking organizations and resources, providing valuable information, rendering assistance and advocating for an improved island business environment.    

Fall Farm Parade coming down Argyle Avenue – Tim Dustrude photo

It was a beautiful day for the 2015 Fall Farm Parade, and especially after Friday’s rain, it was nice to see blue skies for this fun Fall event. And after the parade everyone met at Brickworks for the Chili Cook-off, to enjoy some good food, good music by the Rocky Bay Boys and visit with friends and neighbors. Click below to see the image gallery of these 2 events. Continue Reading

10:40 AM Update – Service has been restored

Just got a call from CenturyLink this morning. They are aware of an internet outage in the San Juan Islands and they are working to get things fixed. At the time of the call, there was no ETA for when it would be back online, but they did say that Phones and 911 service are not affected.

Birds at Little Sucia – Tim Dustrude photo

Fall is here and it is time to get out on the water to see returning wintering birds and some hard to see marine birds. Great flocks of wintering ducks, loons, and grebes are arriving, whales are here along with other marine mammals. If you want to meet other birders this is a wonderful opportunity. We are going with Eclipse Charters this year. Check out their website to get a feel for the boat. It has comfortable inside seating and decks on the bow, sides and top for great viewing.

We sail on Sunday, October 11th. The boat will be leave Friday Harbor at 11:30 and return at 3:30. There will also be a drop off at Orcas. The price is $85 . Your check holds your spot. Contact Barbara Jensen by email at  skylark [@] rockisland [.] com for information. Space is limited. Dress for the weather! Be sure to have warm layers, including a warm coat and raincoat, gloves, hat, warm footwear, pants and so on. You can always take off layers but cannot put on clothing you don’t have. Bring binoculars, a camera if you like, a small pack for your stuff, water, sunscreen, and a small lunch.

We have done several boat trips and they are always fun. There are always other birders who will help people spot birds and other great things, maybe a whale or two. The natural history of our area is wonderful to experience on the water and I hope you will join us!

“Twirling Ball” – Aaron Shepard photo

Nathan Clarke spins a ball on his finger while crossing Spring Street on Thursday, and roving Update photographer-on-the-spot Aaron Shepard was there to capture the moment. Thanks for sharing Aaron!

Rock Island Communications founder Mike Greene, who has most recently been serving as Vice President of Technology, has announced that he will be leaving the company as of October 15.

When OPALCO purchased Rock Island in February, Greene stayed on to help with the transition, merging staff and operations to keep the business humming while a huge infrastructure expansion began. With that transition solidifying, Greene has taken the opportunity to step down. Company operations will continue to be directed by Gerry Lawlor, Executive Vice President of Rock Island.

“Rock Island is revolutionizing Internet services for our communities,” said Lawlor. “We are taking a local ISP to the next level, delivering modern services by building on the foundation of OPALCO’s backbone.”

It’s not unusual for founding leaders to step down in the year following an acquisition, but Mike Greene’s expertise and institutional knowledge will surely be missed. “We wouldn’t be here today without the significant investment that Mike has made in our communities,” said Foster Hildreth, President of Rock Island and General Manager of OPALCO. “Rock Island Communications is the product of his passion, foresight and skillful entrepreneurship in San Juan County.”

Rock Island continues to build out its staff in both the Friday Harbor and Eastsound offices. In August, the company hired Chief Financial Officer Chad Bailey to lead the accounting team, and hiring will continue as the business grows. Rick Lysen, who has been the architect and manager of the OPALCO fiber backbone for the past 14 years, will continue to oversee network operations. Continue Reading

San Juan County is formally adding Twitter as a means of communicating with citizens. County Manager Mike Thomas said that the County’s Tweets will include urgent bulletins as well as links to news releases and items of common interest. Twitter users can receive the messages by following @SanJuanCountyWA.

San Juan County’s Department of Emergency Management also provides announcements via Twitter to users who follow @sjcdem.

The County continues to post current news items and notices on its main web page http://sanjuanco.com and maintain special interest email lists. People interested in receiving emails on specific issues, or from County departments, can subscribe to those lists at the on the County’s website at: http://sanjuanco.com/mail/optin.aspx

Bill Ament wants you to know about this tap dancing class that starts next Monday…

Dance Happy presents Beginning Tap Dancing with Bill Ament.  For your dream of being Fred & Ginger!  No experience necessary. Fabulous & Fun class.  Mondays 1:15-2:15pm, starts October 5. Register by calling 378-9628.

Rainah Sandstrom would like to know your thoughts on 2 marine environment questions. Here she is with the skinny…

Students sampling coastal marsh – Image courtesy of Kwiaht

Hello!

I am a project coordinator for Kwiaht, the marine health observatory that encourages and focuses the growth of community scientists. Kwiaht is a non-profit organization that does work on all the islands. I am looking to bring more awareness to San Juan Island in particular. I have created a very short (2 question) survey in hopes to understand what locals are most concerned about [with regard to] their local marine environment as well as what they would like to have more education about.

This is the survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/27WJPX2

If it would be possible to post the survey on your website, I would be much obliged. I hope to not only help educate locals about our beautiful island but also hope to give information on how to preserve it.

This is the Kwiaht website: www.kwiaht.org

My email address is rainahsandstrom [@] gmail [.] com –  if anyone has questions or concerns, they may email me.

Thank you so much for your time and all you do!
Rainah