Health Issues Cause OPALCO Board Member to Step Down

Glenna Hall – Contributed photo

OPALCO Board Member Glenna Hall has announced her resignation due to health issues. Hall represents District 1 (San Juan, Brown, Henry, Pearl and Spieden islands). The Board will appoint a new board member to fill the vacancy until Hall’s term is up in 2017, in accordance with our bylaws (Article III, Section 4).

“I want to take this opportunity to praise the Co-op, its members, staff, leadership team, and Board, and to thank the members for allowing me to be part of an organization with an important heritage and a brilliant future,” said Hall.  “I especially hold in esteem my fellow directors, who each have contributed tremendous knowledge and analysis, strongly held opinions of their own, and an ability to work together for the good of the members.”

Members from District 1 interested in filling this vacancy may submit a cover letter and brief resume to: Jim Lett, President, OPALCO Board of Directors, 183 Mt. Baker Rd., Eastsound WA 98245 or via email to [email protected]. Please direct all questions to Bev Madan at 376-3549.  Candidates will be encouraged to attend the September board meeting and the board expects to make an appointment to fill the vacancy in October.

Board meetings are open to the Co-op membership. The September board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 23rd in the Eastsound OPALCO offices.

For the latest information about OPALCO, go to: www.opalco.com.

Summer has flown by! The first semester FHHS Community Service-Learning Class will begin September 3rd. This class utilizes committed adult mentors who will guide students through the completion of a service project related to community improvement – both locally and globally.

This is a great opportunity for a “win-win” partnership between students and local organizations. If you have a community improvement service project in mind, a fifteen minute in-class presentations time can be arranged on September 8th, 9th or 10th, from 2:00 – 2:45.

Please contact Jenny Wilson at jwilson [@] sjisd [.] wednet [.] edu  for more information.

Thank you very much for your continuing support and interest in our students!

Jenny Wilson
FHHS Teacher
(360) 370-7117

View of Haro Strait from the property – Contributed photo

San Juan Island’s Scenic Westside Preserve More than Doubles in Size!

The San Juan County Land Bank received a 30-acre donation along Westside Road on San Juan last Friday, August 21st.

“We are very happy to see this special piece of land preserved for future generations and enjoyed by a wider public,” say donors, Paul and Beatrice Reiss.

Its steep terrain rises quickly from the road, ascending to a height of several hundred feet. Boasting incomparable views of Haro Strait to Vancouver Island, and south to the Olympics, this property is the perfect complement to the adjacent Westside Preserve. Its rocky outcrops and grassy slope will add a completely new dimension for people to explore on the Westside.

Land Bank commissioner and chair, Jim Skoog, said “This really only happens once in a lifetime…We are deeply in the debt of the Reiss family. Their generosity to the community is truly exceptional.”

While the property is not yet open to the public, the Land Bank hopes to establish trails and allow access sometime next spring. The land will also be managed to conserve its rare coastal prairie habitat.

The donated area in relation to existing Land Bank properties – Contributed photo

Click to enlarge poster

The San Juan Islands Ag Guild is proud to present a cooperative film collection exploring the future of farming compiled by young farmer advocates, the Greenhorns!

The average age of farmers in the US is 57. Five years ago it was 55. In San Juan County it is 60. At this rate, who will our future farmers be?

In a series of compelling, independently produced documentaries, the work of young farmers is honored as we witness the trials and tribulations of farming in the modern world. Each beautiful film engages the viewer in questions of farmland access, rural livelihoods, and the relationships of people and place. As one farmer in the award winning film To Make a Farm put it, “Our job is based on a desire to create a better system for the environment and for people. Its pretty neat that your job can be your conviction at the same time.”

Like farming, film is also a labor of love and the telling of these heart-warming and often humorous stories helps us to celebrate, support and encourage the next generation of agrarians.

Up Up! Farm Film Festival – the future of farming
A San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild event at Brickworks
Tuesdays September 1st thru October 13th at 6:30 pm
Tickets $7 at the door / $35 season ticket Popcorn & refreshments available

For the full program, please go to fhbrickworks.com/events  Continue Reading

Island Rec kicked off their third season of Movies in the Park last weekend and there are still 5 weeks to go.
For August 29th, we will be showing Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

The movie should begin at about 8:45 pm but come early for fun trivia, prizes, and to claim your spot!

FANs sponsors this great family event and also pops free popcorn! Don’t miss out! The September 5th Movie will be How to Train Your Dragon!

Go to www.islandrec.org or call Island Rec at 378-4953 for more information. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. No alcohol please.

The Dance Happy crew – Click to enlarge – Tim Dustrude photo

Dance Happy with Bill & Rita Ament is opening their dancing doors again on September 8th.  Offering Children’s classes for ages 2-1/2 to 13, in Creative, Pre-Ballet, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz, Hip Hop, Zumba for Kids and their new Steppin’ Out dance expressions class for ages 6-13.

Also, Adult & Teen classes in Tap, Zumba, and Zumbini for Kids & Caregivers, plus great Swing & Salsa ballroom dance classes.

Go to www.amentdancehappy.com for their fun schedule.

You are cordially invited to their Dance Happy “Open House” celebration at Dance Workshop 2, Saturday, August 29th at 3:00pm.  A time to celebrate with each other, to get info about their classes and to register, listen to music,  dance, to witness the joy of dancing with Bill & Rita, and have a few light refreshments to start off the new year.  Call Bill & Rita at 378-9628.

Here’s a note from Frank Penwell about making Community Treasures a permanent thing…

Please help spread the word. It is time to secure CT as a permanent San Juan Island public charity facility. Please help by asking others to visit ctrecycling.org to learn more. Thanks, Frank

Dear Neighbor,
I am asking you for your support in establishing Community Treasures as a permanent community asset. In contemplating your support, please consider what Community Treasures has done and has modeled over the last 10 years.

1. CT supports conservation activities through the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
2. CT is a charitable and financial tool used by nonprofits, service organizations, and those in need.
3. CT has created local green jobs.
4. CT provides local student scholarships.

Please make a donation knowing that CT has a matching grant up to $290,000, and that your commitment will help make it possible for Community Treasures to purchase the property and equipment that Community Treasures operates its activities on, thereby becoming a permanent facility run by a 501 C 3 Nonprofit Public Charity.

Along with your contribution, your name will be memorialized near, or on, a piece of artwork prominently displayed in an onsite courtyard. Most importantly, your donation will guarantee future generations’ access to a place for recycling, for charitable giving activities, and for educational scholarships.

Please visit our web site at www.ctrecycling.org, and then contribute online or mail your check today.

Thank you for your support,

Frank M. Penwell, President
Community Treasures

Continue Reading

Here’s a note from Dot Vandaveer with the SJI Garden Club…

SJI Garden Club is resuming our meeting schedule on September 1st at 1:00 pm at the Mullis Center.  All are welcome.  We will be recognizing the SJC Fair Blue Ribbon winners of the Youth categories.

Click to enlarge poster

Through a Looking Glass or Microscope

Enter the magical world of the microscope or looking glass and watch it turn into art. Bring yours in to share with the community. All media, all ages and all talents are welcome.

Check in ready-to-hang art from 10:00 AM to noon on Saturday, August 29th.

Questions? Call Diane at 370-5814

Alex and kittens – Contributed photo

The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor is pleased to announce that Alexandra Ferrente is the Volunteer of the month for August.

Alex is here in Friday Harbor as a seasonal naturalist, which keeps her very busy – and yet she still finds time to volunteer at the animal shelter several times a week.

“Alex can be counted on to jump in and help with just about any chore – whether it be cleaning cat boxes, walking dogs, mopping floors or bottle-feeding infant kittens”, says shelter staff member, Dyan Shober. She adds, “Alex has even taken tiny kittens home with her to make sure they get their feedings every two hours.”

The APS-FH Board of Directors and staff are very grateful to Alex for all of her hard work.

Spike Africa heading out – Aaron Shepard photo

Aaron Shepard captured this image of the Spike Africa heading down the harbor with Brown Island in the background.

Thanks for sharing Aaron!

Martin Taylor – Contributed photo

Widely considered to be the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz and fingerstyle guitar playing, Martin Taylor presents a concert at San Juan Community Theatre on Friday, August 28 at 7:30 pm.

Earning global acclaim from fellow musicians, fans and critics alike, Martin’s signature style combines his virtuosity, emotion and humor with a strong, engaging stage presence. Guitarist Pat Metheny calls Taylor “one of the most awesome solo guitar players in the history of the instrument.”

Taylor has enjoyed a musical career spanning five decades, with more than 100 recordings to his credit. He has amassed a record 14 British Jazz Awards as a guitarist. Several of his albums have been in the Top 10 in the USA and Europe; and in 2002 he was appointed MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) “For Services to Jazz Music” by Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain.

Completely self-taught beginning at the early age of four, he has invented and developed a unique way of playing the guitar that is greatly admired, and often emulated, by guitarists all over the world. His innovative online guitar school with its headquarters in Napa, California has been featured on NPR, BBC, Fox News and the LA Times and has attracted guitarists from over 58 countries.

The Business Partner for the evening is Kings Market. Tickets are $30 for adults; $15 for student reserved, 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 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or buy online at www.sjctheatre.org

Our local animal shelter has found a nearly effortless and free way for supporters to help raise money for homeless animals here on San Juan Island. The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor has partnered with Wooftrax, an organization that donates money to animal shelters and rescue groups nationwide, utilizing a smartphone application.

The Wooftrax app, when installed on a Smartphone or Android device, allows users to support their local animal rescue organization simply by walking a dog (or dogs).  “It’s very simple”, says APS-FH Shelter Manager, Jan Murphy. “Those who’d like to help raise funds for The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor can visit www.wooftrax.com on their smartphone and download the Wooftrax app.”

Once the app has been downloaded one can then select The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor as the recipient of their fund raising efforts. Users simply take the phone with them whenever they walk a dog. A “Start Walking” button is pushed at the beginning of the walk and the app keeps track of the distance walked. When your walk is stopped it will be credited to the APS-FH account.

The app features an “Impact” tab that shows the total number of people walking for a given shelter or rescue and allows one to magnify their impact by referring friends or making a gift. The more people actively walking with the app, the greater the benefit to your selected animal organization! “Best of all, every walk counts – short or long.”, says Murphy.

In the last year Wooftrax raised over $120,000 for shelter and rescue partners.

Orcas bat walk – Contributed photo

Biologist Rochelle Kelly returns with her thermal camera & acoustic detectors for an evening of bat observation on Saturday, August 29, from 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm at Mount Grant Preserve.

Meet at the ridge top parking area (the road will be open for driving access to the top) to discover more about our island bats and the Campaign to Save Mount Grant.

Hosted by the San Juan County Land Bank and San Juan Preservation Trust, this event is free to the public.

Space is limited – carpooling is encouraged. Please dress for the weather and flashlights are recommended. Kids are welcome, no dogs please.

RSVP to Tanja Williamson at 370-7655 or tanjaw [@] rockisland [.] com.

A four-legged supporter of Mount Grant – Contributed photo

Wish you could ride up Mount Grant on horses? Here is your chance!

How often can you say you helped save a wonderful mountain for all? You must see Mount Grant to believe what we have here on San Juan Island! “On top of the world!”

For the first person or persons to contribute $1000 to Mount Grant Preserve and note in memo…”Horse Ride” …you will be given a ride for two. You will ride all the way up Mount Grant on these rare but very beautiful horses led by the owner/breeder Amrita Ibold.

The Akhal-Teke horse is one of the oldest, rarest, and most exotic horse breeds in the world, bred right here on San Juan Island, at Sweetwater Farm, one of only a few locations in the USA.

Originally bred by the Central Asia warriors more than 3000 years ago. Referred to as the “Mystery Horse” because it has influenced most of the breeds today but has origins so far back that it is influenced by no other breeds. Noted for their incredibly friendly dispositions, great beauty and uniquely shining colors, Sweetwater Farm prides itself on raising theses horses for competing, lessons to all riding levels and breeding the fine colts and fillies you can see in the front pastures of the farm.

Included in *Horse Ride for 2* Bonus for your $1000 Donation; not only 2 Mount Grant hats as the horse is proudly wearing but also a short tour of Sweetwater Farm and 5 new foals. There will be winners for August and again in September!

Send Tax Deductible Donations to:
Preservation Trust to Save Mt Grant
P.O. Box 759 Friday Harbor
WA 98250 360 378 2461

**Remember to add in “Memo” space: Horse Ride***