Contributed image

University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Laboratories is pleased to announce the 17th annual Illg Distinguished Lecturer will be Dr. Stefan Bengtson, Professor emeritus of Palaezoology at the Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm, Sweden.

Dr. Bengston will present a free public lecture to the San Juan Island Community on Thursday evening July 2 at 7:30 pm at the San Juan Community Theatre.  His talk is entitled “The Dawn of Visible Life.”

We are fortunate to have Dr. Bengston as the Illg Distinguished Lecturer in 2015.  His main interests concern the origins and early evolution of multicellular organisms, including animals.  One of the greatest innovations in the history of life has been multicellularity-the ability of cells to stick together to form larger and more complex organisms.  Multicellularity distinguishes microbes from plants and animals, and most life forms visible to the naked eye are multicellular.

Multicellularity has arisen many times during evolution, through different mechanisms and in different lineages.  Of those lineages that survived, only a few have gone on to form advanced mulitcellularity, where cells specialize for diverse functions.   Continue Reading

Town asks public to exercise caution when using recycling cans

One of the new recycle cans in Friday Harbor – SJ Update photo

The Town of FH appreciates the ongoing efforts of residents and visitors to maintain the town’s clean and green image by utilizing the recycling cans added to the downtown core last summer. It has been noted that many people are now using the recycling cans on a regular basis, even though it takes a little extra effort to separate their garbage. It’s an easy and rewarding way to protect our island environment–unless the contents of those recycling cans have to go to the landfill.

When any liquid, grease, food remnants or other unrecyclable items are added to a recycling can, the entire can become contaminated and may need to be disposed of as garbage. “A single unfinished cup of coffee, bite of food, or greasy wrapper can defeat the efforts of all those who did the right thing,” says Town Administrator Duncan Wilson. He explained that while the recycling facility will take unsorted recyclables, it will not take wet, dirty or greasy items. That means it’s crucial that our recycling efforts include more diligence in determining what exactly is recyclable and using the trash bin instead of the recycling bin when necessary.

The Town asks that you take a moment before tossing items into the public recycling cans to make sure that those items being discarded are appropriate.

Click here for a list of acceptable recyclables which has been copied from the Town’s website: Continue Reading

Hop the train to Hogwarts! Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone will be the last Drive-In of the Season!

• When: Friday June 26th^, approx. 10:00 pm, Parking and Concessions open at 8:30 pm.
• Admission: $5/person, family of 5/$20, ages 5 and under FREE.
• Plot: Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
• Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Rated: PG, Running time: 152 min

Please like us on Facebook and visit our website for more information www.sjcfair.org

Fairgrounds Parks Closed for Parking Lot Project

The fairgrounds family and skate parks will be closed Wednesday, June 24th during the final phase of parking lot re-construction. We ask that all park goers be patient and respect the closure so that the construction crew and equipment can work safely and efficiently.

For more information please contact the Fair Office at 378-4310 or info[@]sjcfair[.]org.

Attention Musicians! We are once again inviting local and visiting musicians to join the Friday Harbor 4th of July Community Marching Band. Participants always have a lot of fun! David Eden will be the leader again this year. Dust off your instrument and join us!

Rehearsals are at 7:00 pm June 24^th, 26^th, 29^th,  July 1^st, and 3^rd.

Friday Harbor High School Band Room

Any questions and to pick up music, call Chris Bevens 378-5023

Sponsored by King’s Market

Local resident and author of Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle, Thor Hanson will discuss his latest publication The Triumph of Seeds.

Hear why seeds are so important to our daily lives, and you will come away with a new appreciation for these little wonders.

Wednesday, June 24, at 7:00 pm
San Juan Island Library, free.

Fire at Turtleback Mountain Preserve – Contributed photo

Tanja from the Land Bank shares this story about a wildfire on Orcas Island…

On Sunday afternoon, June 21, 2015, the Orcas Island Fire Department responded to an isolated brush fire on the north side of the Land Bank’s Turtleback Mountain Preserve. The fire, which was started by an illegal campfire, charred approximately 150’ x 100’ area of brush and trees before being extinguished.

“Orcas Fire was quick to respond to a report of smoke in the area, and was able to prevent the fire from becoming a threat to life and property,” explains Land Bank Director, Lincoln Bormann. “We are very grateful to the department, and the individuals who worked to extinguish, mop-up, and monitor after the fire.”

Please remember, all Land Bank Preserve lands are “day use only”, with camping, fires, and off-trail use prohibited. As we move into the summer season, community awareness, and diligence in calling 911 to report smoke or fire, is vital.

Detailed information regarding wildfire prevention and awareness is available on the WA State Department of Natural Resources website (www.dnr.wa.gov). Click here for more photos.

Continue Reading

Here is a note from Stephanie Prima about Wednesday’s “Chosen” movie event and discussion…

Hi Tim,

Thank you for running the stories about “All-American” girls who have been trafficked from small towns. Here is the final story (PDF), though this one is told from a mother’s standpoint. It’s a bit longer than the others, but it is my hope that every parent in this county will take a moment to read this story. Once they do, they will realize how critical it is to educate ourselves and our children in the signs of trafficking – yes, even in a small town like ours.

For those who missed the other stories, they can be found on the San Juan Update posts for June 2^nd, June 9^th, and June 16^th.

The FREE public educational event is this Wednesday, June 24th, 7:00pm – 8:30pm at the San Juan Community Theatre. The 20-minute documentary Chosen will be shown, followed by slides and presentations from two speakers with Shared Hope International. A local Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking survivor will tell her personal story, and there will ample time for questions & answers with a panel of local law enforcement officers and youth counselors.

With education, there is prevention. I urge all teens and adults to attend this important event. As the frantic mother in this story lamented, “..we were not prepared to protect her. We had not told her about trafficking, and how the traffickers work, because we didn’t know ourselves. If this could happen to us, it could happen to any family.”

Click here to read the Mother’s story mentioned above (PDF).

A few of the first rescues – Contributed photo

The San Juan Islands are getting a new non-profit (because you can never have too many!).

Island Haven Animal Sanctuary’s mission is to provide lifetime care and sheltering for animals who, while still able to lead a quality life, are unable to find homes due to old age, chronic illness, handicaps, temperament issues or other factors, or who have been rescued from neglect and/or abuse situations and require rehabilitation.

One of the first rescues – Contributed photo

However, before we can provide a home for these special animals, we have to find a forever home for the Sanctuary. Donating it would be a great tax write-off for someone, or leasing it to us in-kind or for a reasonable amount are also options. Ideally it would be at least five acres, have fenced pastures, a barn and/or stables, running water and electricity, and either a small home or ability to put a trailer on it so a human caregiver can stay there if an animal needs around the clock care. So, if you or someone you know has such a location, please contact us as soon as possible at islandhaven[.]julie[@]gmail[.]com or 360-472-1040.

This all began about a month ago when I answered a FaceBook post to adopt three senior horses (two of them have never been ridden, one not in the last twenty years). These horses had been rescued years ago, along with a couple of alpacas, and now the farm they have been living on is being sold and they need to find a new home. The farm owners weren’t getting much response from their post – seems not many people want to take on three thousand-plus pound pets – so, rather than just adopt them, when there are other senior and potentially non-adoptable animals in need, I decided to create an animal sanctuary where all such animals have a place to live out their lives. The owners of the farm think it is such a great idea that they are helping too. Continue Reading

This little piggy went to market… Guests are invited to come for an awesome, locally sourced dinner, root around at the Friday Art Market and celebrate the arrival of PIG – a new long-term resident of Friday Harbor!

A San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild event at Brickworks on July 3, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Dinner Tickets $15 at the door.

Local sculptor Matthew Gray Palmer, who currently has a show at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, has generously donated a public sculpture created especially for our much loved community facility and home to the Farmers Market, Brickworks.

We are anticipating that the perky PIG will become an iconic image for the island, linking agriculture and history, with its references to local food and the famous Pig War.

On being asked to create a Pig by the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild, Matthew said, “I made a connection with the Three Little Pigs. She looks like she is made of bricks, and the last and only remaining house in the story was also made of bricks. I like the metaphor of sustainability, which is what the Ag Guild and our local organic farms are all about.” Continue Reading

Winning Bookmarks – Click to enlarge

Congratulations to the winners of the San Juan Island Library’s 2015 Book Mark Contest. Each year, the Library holds its Book Mark Contest to kick off the Summer Reading Program. This year’s Summer Reading Program theme is Every Hero Has a Story.

The Book Mark Contest is open to all San Juan Island students in grades K through 6th. The winning entries have been published as book marks for the public to enjoy and take home. All other book marks are now on display at the Library.

The Summer Reading Program is free to all residents and visitors of the Island. For more information, please stop by the Library today or call 378-2798.

SVC’s San Juan Center – Contributed photo

Surrounded by tall evergreens, ferns, and other natural landscaping, Skagit Valley College held commencement exercises on June 17 at SVC’s San Juan Center in Friday Harbor.

After a welcome to the graduates, family members, friends, and audience guests in attendance, SVC President Dr. Tom Keegan delivered his Presidential Address. He then introduced each of the graduates:

• Chéri Doane-Ledford** (Gig Harbor) Associate in Arts – General Studies
• Barbara Everson** (Bellingham) Associate in Arts – University and College Transfer
• Denise Ireland** (Friday Harbor) Associate in Arts – University and College Transfer
• Thomas Irwin* (Friday Harbor) Associate in Arts – University and College Transfer
• Ashley Strutz** (Friday Harbor) High School Diploma and Associate in Arts – University and College Transfer
• Lawrence Richard Uri III*** (Friday Harbor) Associate in Technical Arts Degree – Human Services Chemical Dependency Professional
• Nadine Varsovia (Friday Harbor) Associate in Arts – University and College Transfer

* Honors;   ** High Honors;  *** President’s Medal recipient

Class speakers Lawrence Richard Uri III and Denise Ireland – Contributed photos

The conferring of diplomas was conducted by SVC President Keegan and Dr. Mick Donahue, SVC Vice President of Whidbey Island Campus and South Whidbey, San Juan, and Anacortes centers. This year’s class speakers were SVC graduates Denise Ireland, “Mosaic” and Lawrence Richard Uri III, “The Gift of Community.” Music was provided by Alexandria Hayes, “Time of Your Life” and the Introduction of the Class of 2015 was made by SVC graduate Ashley Strutz. Continue Reading

San Juan Island Library announced the 2015 Summer Reading Program. Summer Reading is for all ages. This year, three programs are offered: Summer Reading Program for elementary aged children, Teen SRP, and Adult Summer Reading.

Adult Summer Reading is so simple, everyone can do it. Read a book in whatever format you choose. Visit the Library and fill out a slip with the title and your name and submit it. The Library will draw from the submitted entries on June 29, July 23 and August 25. Prizes will be awarded for each of the three drawings. The 2015 prizes are a $25 gift certificate to Cynthia’s Restaurant, a $25 gift certificate to the Sandpebble Gift Shop; the grand prize is a Nook Glowlight eReader.

Teen SRP is for students who have completed grades six through twelve. No registration is required. Teens pick up a Read 3 Get 1 Free entry form and complete it each time they’ve read three books to get a free book from the library. In addition to winning free books, all entry forms are entered in a drawing for movie passes and the final prize of a Kindle. There are two teen movie nights and five teen special events planned throughout the summer. Continue Reading

Members Will Pay Monthly Add-On To Recover Under-Charged Bill Amounts

At the June 18 board meeting on Lopez, the Orcas Power & Light Cooperative Board approved a temporary revenue recovery add-on to make up for the current cost-of-service gap and projected revenue shortfall through the end of 2015. The add-on will be applied to all member bills beginning in July, 2015.

“Members have not been paying their full share,” explained Foster Hildreth, General Manager. “They’ve been undercharged because our rates have not collected the true cost of service.”

Residential members will pay an additional one cent per kilowatt hour (kWh) and commercial members will pay just more than a half-cent per kWh. The difference between the residential and commercial add-on is due to the cost-of-service spread: commercial usage is less than 25% of our total system load. The increase will average $8.43 for a residential member with average usage.

“However, the situation is better than we thought,” said Hildreth. Continue Reading

Elizabeth MacLellan, Logistics team – Contributed photo

(Updated) Sheila Harley sends over your monthly firefighter…

Elizabeth, pictured here in the San Juan Island Firefighers Logistics team kitchen, helps make sure that the firefighters who are working a fire are nourished at the scene whether it be day or night. Basically the team is on call just as the people who fight the fires are.

Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Elizabeth first came to the Island to work with Ken Balcomb at the Center for Whale Research for a summer. Loving the Island, she went back to Dallas, said her goodbyes, and came back. She has been here eight years.

Elizabeth has volunteered for the Festival of trees on several occasions. Dancing has been her passion since she was three years old. She loves ballet and plans to return to it as soon as her and Mike’s baby is born.

Oh, did I forget to mention that she is very pregnant and will probably have delivered by the time this article goes to press? The baby is due on June 24th and their anniversary is on June 21st. Because Mike has been a firefighter for many years, their wedding was attended by many fellow firefighters who just happened to bring a fire engine along.

Elizabeth enjoys working with San Juan Island Firefighters Logistics team because she gets the chance, not only to supply a little Texan hospitality in feeding the men and women, but goes into the schools and helps teach the children how to Stop/Drop/Roll, and how to make emergency 911 calls as well, teaching them to be calm in emergency situations.

She is proud to be a member of our organization and considers firefighters to be super heroes who help people out in some very difficult situations.

Elizabeth is always willing to be of assistance and brings her charming personality with her. She’s a pleasure to work with. After the baby is born, she intends to return to her Logistics duties.

Good Luck with your new baby, Elizabeth (and Mike)!

San Juan Island Fire & Rescue welcomes all interested men and women, ages 16 years and above to drop by the Mullis Street Station and make an appointment to see what we are all about. Look online at www.sjifire.org for lots of good information. Or you could view our Facebook page. Our phone number is 360-378 5334. We would be pleased to talk with you.

Fireworks are illegal without permit in Town of Friday Harbor and throughout San Juan County

The Town of Friday Harbor would like to remind residents and visitors that it is illegal to possess, sell, offer to sell, use, transfer, discharge or explode fireworks anywhere in San Juan County without a permit (SJC Code 9.20). This includes within the Town limits of Friday Harbor (Town Municipal Code 9.06). All personal fireworks, including those recognized as “Safe and Sane” such as sparklers, are prohibited.

While the fireworks prohibition has been in effect for many years, the urgency of this reminder is extremely important this year. The recent high temperatures and lack of precipitation have created tinder dry conditions that are more typical of early August than mid-June. District 3 Fire Chief Steve Marler says he wouldn’t be surprised to see the fire danger level increase from “moderate” to “high” by the end of June. The danger level did not exceed “moderate” in 2014. “This year it will be absolutely critical that islanders and visitors respect the rule and enjoy the professional pyrotechnic shows on the islands,” said Marler.

“People are encouraged to enjoy a spectacular Fourth of July display over the Port of Friday Harbor compliments of the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce,” said Town Administrator Duncan Wilson, adding that this will be by far the largest display ever produced in Town. Continue Reading