Town seeks proposals for use of Lodging Tax grant funds to promote 2016 tourism

The Town of Friday Harbor’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) is accepting applications for grants to fund tourism promotion. The promotions must be for events and activities specifically intended to draw visitors to the Town in 2016.   Preference will be given to those activities that encourage tourists to visit during the spring and fall shoulder seasons. Summer activities are acceptable; however applicants are advised to give careful and strategic thought to the scheduling of their events to avoid what are recognized as high traffic weekends.

The grants are awarded annually and are funded with the State’s Hotel Motel Tax collected on all lodging stays of less than 30 days in length within the Town. Funds must be used to promote tourism within the Town of Friday Harbor. Grant proposals are reviewed by the LTAC which is made up of council members, lodging owners, and community members appointed by the Mayor. The LTAC then provides recommendations to the Town Council on how to allocate the grant funds.

Interested parties should review the Request for Proposal (RFP) and complete the LTAC Grant Application at the Town web site: www.fridayharbor.org under “What’s New”. Applications must be submitted to Town Hall by 4:30 pm Friday, August 28, 2015.

The staff at Friday Harbor Elementary School is very excited at the prospect of having all-day kindergarten available to San Juan Island children.   Though all-day kindergarten is still uncertain at this point, pending the current state legislative session, staff there wants you to know that if it happens, “We are ready!”

What does this mean for the Friday Harbor Elementary School kindergarten program?

According to FHES Principal Diane Ball, “All-day kindergarten will provide a more relaxed pace to explore as our youngest students begin to unfold the wonders of reading, writing, math, and science. Additional time in the school day will also allow for more integration of art, drama, and creative play.”

Continuing with the current curriculum and Common Core State Standards, students will have more time to practice new learning and experience a greater depth of understanding before moving on to new topics. Just like their peers in other grades, all-day kindergarten will include specialist time every day and three recesses during the school day. Needed Title I, LAP, or ELL instructional services will be scheduled within the school day, instead of added to existing half-day schedules.

“All-day kindergarten provides the children with a full-day experience from 8:15-2:45, equating to less transitioning and more opportunities for children to work at a pace that is developmentally appropriate to this age.”  Ms. Ball stated. “The current kindergarten program addresses the whole child with an appropriate balance of academics and play, and this will not change.”

Friday Harbor Elementary School staff will work on a case-by-case basis with parents desiring to have their child participate in a half-day kindergarten program.

Questions may be directed to Friday Harbor Elementary School Diane Ball at 378-5209.

M/V Samish enters Friday Harbor – Aaron Shepard photo

The Ferry Riders Opinion Group (FROG) conducted an Online Survey of Washington State Ferry riders in March and April of this year. Riders were asked to give feedback regarding their experience riding ferries during the Winter travel period (December 28, 2014 to March 21, 2015).

There was a total of 2,474 interviews and data was weighted by route and boarding method based on the last trip taken.

The results of the survey are now available for public viewing at this link (PDF).

Eight “Good Steward” awards will be presented at the Orcas Solstice Celebration on Saturday, June 20 to islanders and local organizations in recognition of exceptional environmental stewardship. They will be presented at 2 p.m. by the Stewardship Network booths at the Village Green in Eastsound.

Each recipient will receive a special “Finee” award—a glazed ceramic salmon made by Crow Valley Pottery.

Many nominations for the Good Stewards award program were received from members of the community. This years’ award winners are: (click here to see names and photos) Continue Reading

The LC & Pacific RR – Contributed photo

The residents of the Life Care Center on Spring Street in Friday Harbor are building a scale model garden railroad. The LC & Pacific RR, operating since August of last year, has approximately 200 feet of track, four engines, passenger and freight cars and the Red Ball Trolley. Under the guidance of Ron Garner and Phil Myers, the residents are creating mountains, tunnels, buildings and small gardens when they are not busy running the trains.

Creating a building for the LC & Pacific RR – Contributed photo

The 13 active and numerous observers at the LC Center are looking for volunteers to help with their projects and running the trains. No previous knowledge with model railroads is required, just wanting to have a good time with the residents. The present meeting time is Tuesdays at 12:45 to 2:30. If someone wants to help after dinner we can create a program one evening a week.

To join the railroaders, drop by at 660 Spring Street on Tuesday afternoon or call Ron Garner at 378-7722. There are also other volunteer positions available if trains don’t excite you.

The Friday Harbor Grand, a new B&B in Friday Harbor – Contributed photo

Friday Harbor has a new B&B. Almost a year in the making (or rather, “remodeling”), Farhad Ghatan has just opened the Friday Harbor Grand and he held a “grand” opening celebration on Sunday complete with musical performances in the parlor.

It’s up there at 345 Blair Avenue, next door to the Tooth Ferry.  Check out his website for more information.

There’s a Grand piano in the parlor – Contributed photo

Straitsview Barn – Contributed photo

San Juan Island Grange #966 presents a summer evening program on Historic Barns of the San Juan Islands on Wednesday June 24, 2015 at the Grange Hall. The program begins at 7:00 pm, preceded by a potluck at 6:00 pm—all are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Join 100 Friends of Old Island Barns architectural historian Boyd C. Pratt and coordinator Sandy Strehlou for an introduction to the newly posted Historic Barns of the San Juan Islands. Boyd and Sandy will talk about all things old island barns by taking a virtual tour through the website. Got an island barn? Know about any historic ones? Or maybe you’re just a barn hugger like these two… whatever, come and revel in these historic treasures!

Wednesday, June 24, 2015
San Juan Island Grange Hall
Program begins at 7pm, preceded by a 6pm potluck

Editor’s note – This post covers material that is not your happy, good news type of stuff that you usually read on the Update. Yvonne’s story is very disturbing, but it illustrates why this upcoming community education event on June 24th at SJCT is so important. More on that at the end of the post…

Yvonne’s Story

My stepdad was my trafficker. He used me for pornography at five years old, then for sex, and then for sex with his friends. By seven I was a runaway.

By 11 I had already been introduced to IV drugs on the street, a place that felt much safer than home. I kept trying to escape the torture but there was literally no one to turn to. Once I told a police officer what was happening and begged him not to take me home…but he did just that. I realized then that no one would defend me and vowed to be the defender for my little sister and brother. Continue Reading

Click for bigger poster

Saturday, June 20

Grange Dance, SJI Grange Hall, 7:30-9:30pm. Seattle contra dance caller Sherry Nevins with Susan Burke on fiddle and Jay Finkelstein on guitar.

No partners or experience needed. $10 donation. For more info, call 378-3836, or check out the Facebook page.

Getchell Fire Dept’s Brush 68 – Contributed photo

San Juan Island Fire Rescue has sent it’s brand new Brush 332 engine to assist the Getchell Fire Department’s Brush 68 and others to help suppress the wildlands fire raging near Brewster, Washington known as the Cold Springs Fire.

The fire started the morning of June 13 and our firefighters and fire truck left to assist on the evening of June 14. Aboard our Brush 332 are Capt. Noel Monin, Lt. Tad Lean, and WF2 Emily Pruitt.

The Fire District participates in these mobilizations for two reasons:

• First, it provides valuable experience for our firefighters. The lessons they learn are shared with all local responders.
• Second, the day may come when San Juan Island needs help from the mainland.

Being a part of the State Fire Mobilization System assures the help will be available to our community if we need it.

Josephine “Jo” Lewis Feldbush

Jo gave the Lord a big “Howdy Do” on Sunday, June 7, 2015 surrounded by her loved ones at her home in Friday Harbor.

She was born on December 8, 1932 in Toledo, Ohio; the eldest of four daughters born to Elwood and Pauline Lewis.

Jo retired as the Office Manager at Deft, Inc. In Alliance, Ohio after 20 years of employment and moved to Bremerton, WA in 1995 to be close to her family. She then relocated to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island in Washington to live with her daughter and her family in 2012.

Jo loved to volunteer at the hospitals where she resided, serve at her church and spend time at the Senior Center enjoying the company of her friends. Not a day went by without a novel in her hands, a crossword puzzle in her lap or a cup of black coffee in her mug. She had a smile and a hug for those she encountered and her upbeat and caring attitude touched all she came in contact with.

She is survived by her four children: Michael “Mick” Feldbush (Lynette) of Moses Lake, WA; Felicia Jo “Jodi” Feldbush of Poulsbo, WA; Charles “Chuck” Feldbush (Jon) of Lebanon, MO and Tamara “Tammy” Andersen (Steve) of Friday Harbor, WA; Sisters, Diane Lampshire and Nora Bell and nine grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial to celebrate Jo’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 17th at the Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church at 5:30 PM. A light reception to follow.

Though missed greatly, we know she is “fine & dandy” in the arms of the Lord.

– The Family of Jo Feldbush

In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to the Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church or the Mullis Senior Center in Friday Harbor, WA.

Contributed photo

San Juan Island Community Foundation Awards $189,500 in College Scholarships for 2015/2016

Sixteen graduating seniors from Friday Harbor High School’s Class of 2015 were awarded scholarships for the 2015/2016 academic year from three different funds held at the San Juan Island Community Foundation.

The Inskeep Legacy Scholarship Fund was established by a generous donation made by the late Jerry Inskeep who deeply appreciated the helping hand that he received enabling him to attend college. He left a legacy through the San Juan Island Community Foundation that will provide a permanent source of funds for the education of our island’s students.

The SJICF Scholarship Fund was established through generous donations to the San Juan Island Community Foundation to provide San Juan Island residents scholarships for community college, two-year college, four-year college or university, graduate school programs, or vocational/career programs.

The John Volk Memorial Scholarship Fund was established and is administered by the San Juan Island Pilots Association and honors one of our finest citizens who served us all through his tireless volunteer service, both on the ground and in the air. (click to see names of the winners) Continue Reading

June 24 Author Talk & Book Signing with Joseph K. Gaydos

On Wednesday, June 24, beginning with a reception at 5:30 p.m., Joseph K. Gaydos will be featured at The Whale Museum for an “Author Talk.” Joe will also be available that evening to sign copies of his new book The Salish Sea – Jewel of the Pacific Northwest.

Written by authors Joseph Gaydos and Audrey DeLella Benedict this book combines a scientist’s inquiring mind, dramatic color photographs, and a lively narrative of compelling stories. Amongst breathtaking color photography, The Salish Sea Jewel takes a look at the region’s geology, fauna, and history, and ends with hope for the protection of its future. The reader is left with a sense of wonder for this intricate marine ecosystem and the life that it sustains.

Joseph K. Gaydos is Chief Scientist for the SeaDoc Society, a marine science and conservation organization focused on the Salish Sea. He is a licensed wildlife veterinarian and has a PhD in wildlife health. For over a decade he has been studying the fish and wildlife of the Salish Sea. Audrey DeLella Benedict is a biologist, a writer and director of Cloud Ridge Naturalists, a nonprofit natural history educational organization now in its fourth decade. She is currently a member of the board of the SeaDoc Society and served for nearly a decade as a trustee for the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 360-378-4710 ext.30. The Whale Museum is located in Friday Harbor at 62 First St. N. Founded in 1976, The Whale Museum’s mission is to promote stewardship of whales through education and research. The Whale Museum can be found on-line at www.whalemuseum.org.

François André Danican Philidor (1726-1795)

Celebrate the art of modulation – the artful transitioning between musical tonalities (and expressive realms!) with us on Monday evening at 7:00 at the San Juan Island Grange.

François André Danican Philidor, the son of Louis XIV’s celebrated music librarian who was history’s first great chess master and world chess champion for almost 5 decades, composed the six Sinfonias of The Art of Modulation in 1755, not simply to demonstrate his technical prowess (as in Berlin in 1751 when he simultaneously played 3 chess games blindfolded and won them all). Philidor meant to explore new expressive territory that resonates deeply and sublimely with us, and piece on the program is uniquely focused on this endeavor.

Telemann’s sonata for flute, violin, viola and bass (harpsichord) stands out among his compositions in this way, as do works by Cannabich and CPE Bach, two composers who more closely shared the prevalent musical influences of Philidor’s time… But ok, perhaps less adventurous harmonically is the blazing flute concerto by virtuoso flutist Michel Blavet (it would be advisable to leave flammables at home), which radiates joy and charm. Continue Reading

Greta is this week’s Pet of the Week – Contributed photo

Hello Party People! Greta here, wondering what you plan to wear to Monte Carlo; this year’s “Wags to Riches” benefit for the animal shelter on June 27th.

What’s that? You haven’t bought a ticket yet? Oh my. You’d better get with it – you know it’s going to be the event of the season! Word around the animal shelter is that it’s almost sold out. Well, of course it is… Jane Lynch and Ken Howard will be there, not to mention the fabulous Seattle band, “Brickhouse”. I plan to dance every dance! There’s even going to be a delicious dinner prepared by Roche Harbor’s Chef, Bill Shaw, for crying out loud! Throw in wine, cocktails, casino gaming, magnificent silent and live auctions and you have yourself a fabulous evening, my friends.

And of course, you’ll be supporting The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor – what’s not to love? Call my people at the shelter to reserve your tickets!

Or better yet, stop by and meet ME! Did I mention I’m available for adoption?

Here’s a note from Travis Ayers regarding soccer signups…

Hello Soccer Fans,

1.) Don’t spend any more money than you have to! Register by midnight on Sunday, June 21st. Late fees kick in the next day.

2.) Scholarships are available – just email me. Please note: some volunteer hours are expected for scholarship families. Also, scholarships do not apply to the late fees. So again, sign up now!

3.) Summer camps: Coaching Director Bob Leytze will hold several at FHES this summer!

High School (U15 and up): June 22 – 26
U14 Boys: July 13 – 17
U14 Girls: July 20 – 24
U12 Coed: July 27 – 31
U10 Coed: August 3 – 7
Please go to FridayHarborFC.org to sign up! At $150 it is very affordable compared to off-island options.

4.) Island Rec and FANS are also offering a FREE camp on June 20. More info at http://www.islandrec.org/soccer/

5.) Island Rec is also bringing British Soccer August 17 – 21!

As always, email me with any questions, comments or concerns: Ayers[.]Travis[@]gmail[.]com

Sincerely,

Travis Ayers 
President
Friday Harbor FC