A large tree which had fallen over the gully part of the trail, and presented a possible danger to people trying to pass has been removed and the trail is now reopened. Here’s more from the SJI Trails Committee…

Airport trail reopened – Contributed photo

The trail on Friday Harbor Airport property — part of the six-mile-long American Camp Trail from Friday Harbor to American Camp — is reopened, at least for nimble walkers. Stuart Hansen, the airport operations manager, hired Mike Carlson to get the fallen tree off the trail through the gully, which he did Thursday afternoon. The slopes down to the creek, which were always steep, are now even more so, and a bit slippery.

The trail needs a good bit of work, including mowing of tall grass, and perhaps making steps down to the creek, and we will schedule a work party soon. Anyone who would like to help can contact the Trails Committee at sjitrails[@]rockisland[.]com.

Ed. Note – Schedule for Saturday, May 16 Baseball has been corrected – Here’s the latest from FHHS Athletic Director Rod Turnbull. It starts off with Girls Tennis, click the “Read More” link to see updates on Golf, Baseball, Track and Fastpitch…

Girls Tennis – Our Girls Tennis team will begin post season play on Thursday, May 14. They will be playing in the 1A/2B/1B District Tournament being held at South Whidbey High School. Matches start at 11:00. This year we have two singles entries, Ashton Timmons, and Yasmin Sarah.  Our girls will be trying to advance to the Tri-District Tournament being held the following week. One singles player and one doubles team will advance. Visit our league website at http://www.nw1a2bathletics.com/ , for more information. Use the Green Post Season Playoffs & Brackets button located at the upper left corner of the home page. Continue Reading

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Here’s an invitation from Jan Murphy for her art show opening at Lavendera this weekend…

Hope you can join Ray Glantz and I this Saturday from 6:00 to 8:00 for the opening and reception of our show at Lavendera Day Spa! You will be able to enjoy refreshments and meet the artists.

The show runs from May 9th to June 16th.

Lavendera Day Spa
285 Spring Street
(Next door to The Little Store)

Bobby Ryan is the new Artistic Director at SJCT – Contributed photo

Actor, director and playwright Bobby Ryan has joined San Juan Community Theatre as Artistic Director.

Ryan began his work at the Theatre on May 4 while outgoing Artistic Director Susan Williams finished up her final week (Williams announced her resignation earlier this year, saying she wants to focus her energies more on her family, painting, sculpting, acting and directing).

Ryan holds a masters degree in Contemporary Performance and most recently has been spending his time between Portland and San Juan Island. He and his husband, Tyler, own and operate Portland’s Lights Up! Productions, where Bobby has written, directed and produced original works for the stage. Both Bobby and Tyler have been involved in Island Stage Left productions in the past two years, including Bobby’s roles in Other Desert Cities, RED and last summer’s Twelfth Night.

“We’re so excited to have such a young, vibrant professional join our SJCT Theatre family and help lead us into the future,” said SJCT Board President Susan Mazzarella.

Ryan says he too is thrilled to join such a successful community theatre and to live full-time on San Juan Island where Tyler grew up. “I’m stepping into an organization that is working extremely well and I couldn’t be more excited to help it continue to thrive,” said Ryan. “I feel very welcomed here—both at the theatre and in the community.”

SJCT is planning a “meet and greet” with Bobby in the next few weeks so islanders can get to know him better.

Jeri’s Spring Street Center building earns Town’s Civic Pride Award – Tim Dustrude photo

Town of Friday Harbor recognizes owners of Sundries Court

Sundries Court owners Penelope and Donald Torkington and previous owner Scott Boden continue to earn kudos for their extensive two story renovation of the former Jeri’s Spring Street Center—this time with formal recognition from the Town of Friday Harbor. The Town has awarded the Torkingtons and Boden a Civic Pride Award for their investment in the beautification of the community.

“The Sundries Court project is fresh and attractive while remaining true to the building style of historic Spring Street,” said Town Administrator Duncan Wilson. He said several civic-minded business and property owners have been working to improve the appeal of the town, adding, “This should be recognized and our appreciation noted.”

The interior main atrium of the Spring Street Center building – Tim Dustrude photo

The project, located at 260 Spring Street, included the addition of a second floor residence and maintained accurate historic design on both the front and back façades. The impact to the Town core is significant as Sundries Court is second only to Kings Market in the measure of Spring Street frontage.

This is the second Civic Pride Award announced by the Town. Last fall, Steve Buck and Coldwell Banker San Juan Islands, Inc., were honored for improving the entrance to Sunshine Alley with repairs and additions to their historic building.

The Town has been working on several improvement projects of their own including upgrades to Sunken Park scheduled to be completed by this summer.

9 to 5: The Musical – Contributed photo

“What a Way to Make a Living!”

It’s 1979 and the workplace is bustling with typewriters, xerox machines, secretaries and chauvinistic bosses.  Welcome to 9 to 5: The Musical, Dolly Parton’s Broadway hit based on the movie of the same name.  The play opens THIS Friday, May 15 at 7:30 pm at San Juan Community Theatre and continues for nine more performances through May 30.

Nominated for four Tony Awards, the comedy is full of hum-making music and plenty of laughs as the women, led by Violet (Amy Hull), Doralee (Alicia Gislason) and Judy (Raena Parsons), turn the tables on their obnoxious boss, Mr. Franklin Hart, Jr. (Bo Turnage).

Alicia Gislason and Bo Turnage – Contributed photo

Director Margaret Hall says the play shows just how far women in the workplace have come since 1979.  “Those of us who were working at that time, really did experience such circumstances,” said Margaret.  “In a very humorous way, the story sends a message of the importance of taking control of your own life.”

Plus! With a cast of 41 and a crew of 43, the musical offers islanders the chance to see many of their friends having a great time “working 9 to 5.”

For complete schedule information and to buy your tickets now, visit www.sjctheatre.org.  Tickets are also available at the SJCT Box Office: 378 3210.

9 TO 5: The Musical CAST: Continue Reading

Kerwin Johnson cooks up some delicious Fish Taco goodness at last May’s Fish Taco event – Tim Dustrude photo

Fish Tacos Friday May 15, at Friday Harbor Ace Hardware, 11-2 pm. $7 suggested donation.

Fish for Teeth is still going strong, and is once again bringing the Medical Teams International Mobile Dental Van to Friday Harbor. Fish Tacos are the primary fund raising effort, so please help our cause and enjoy one of these delicious tacos. We’re serving up the same fabulous tacos (actually burritos) as we have in the past, with Matt’s personally-caught Alaskan rockfish (caught from abundant stocks), with Pablito’s fresh salsa, shredded Tillamook Cheese, fresh cabbage, and a squeeze of lime.

If you’ve ever wanted to help out with the taco booth we have some volunteer spots open.  It is really fun in the taco trenches, and your efforts will help fix the teeth of those who cannot otherwise afford dental care.  Reply to fishforteeth.com with questions.

Also, Matt’s Fresh Fish has FROZEN ROCKFISH FILLETS for only $7 per pound, which is as low as you will see the price of this fabulous fish (the same fish as in the tacos).  Blackcod Tips are $15 per pound, and all proceeds go to Fish for Teeth.  The fish will be for sale at Ace Hardware during the taco event.

If you would like information on Fish for Teeth programs, wish to volunteer your services to Fish for Teeth, or would like to donate to our cause, please visit our web site at fishforteeth.com

THINK FISH!!!

If you’ve always wanted to become a part of the life-saving volunteer program at the animal shelter – now is a great time to get involved!

The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor has announced an all-new and very-much improved volunteer program and is looking for people 18 and older to become a part of the team.

The new volunteer program will allow people to select the type of volunteer position they’re best suited for from a wide variety of jobs including, Dog Walking and Socialization, Cat Companion, Kennel and Cat Room Cleaning, Laundry, Office Assistant and Ground Maintenance to name a few.

The new volunteer program will also include Pet Ambassador positions for those who wish to select an individual shelter pet to mentor on a weekly basis until that pet is adopted. Shelter Outreach Coordinator, Jan Murphy, says, “The Pet Ambassador program is a great way to get involved and truly enrich the life of a shelter animal.” She adds, “Many of the pets here at the shelter, especially some of the older cats, have been here for a long time, and having a special someone in their lives will make a huge difference for them.”

If you’re interested in becoming an animal shelter volunteer you are invited to attend a Volunteer Orientation at the Animal Shelter, 111 Shelter Road, Wednesday, May 20 at 5:30. Refreshments will be served and shelter employees will be on hand to answer questions. For more information call 378-2158.

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Featuring Craig Wolfe with The Spuds.

All are welcome. All dances taught. $10.00 donation appreciated.

Saturday, May 16th at the Friday Harbor Grange Hall from 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Sponsored by San Juan Island Grange #966

Kevin Loftus and Don Nixon in the developing Logging Exhibit (with Lime Exhibit in background) at the new Museum of History and Industry – Tim Dustrude photo

A scale model of a lime kiln – Tim Dustrude photo

Things are coming along nicely up at the Historical Society’s Museum of History and Industry (MHI). When completed, the MHI will showcase four industries that have had a large impact in shaping the history of the San Juan Islands – Fishing, Logging, Farming and Lime.

They plan to have a preview opening of the first two of these exhibits in time for the July 4th holiday weekend, and will be featuring the Lime and Logging industries.

Some of the things to look forward to seeing in these exhibits are:

• An interactive scale model of a lime kiln, built with actual bricks from the real lime kilns that used to operate at Roche Harbor Lime & Cement Company.
• An authentic cart full of limestone like the ones used to transport limestone from the quarries to the lime kilns
• The actual front entryway of Dr. Victor Capron’s house which used to stand right behind where the Hotel de Haro is now. This will be a showcase of photos and artifacts from the lime industry’s heyday.
• Parts of a real sawmill
• Chainsaws of all different kinds from different time periods and various “tools of the trade”
• A lumber exhibit showing how logs are cut into various different products
• Lots of photos and videos to help tell the story of these important island industries
• And much more…

Continue Reading

Lt. James “Kelly” Patterson leaving the Phillipines on the USS Enterprise – Contributed photo

The year 2015 is the 50th Anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam War. Moreover, 2015 has been designated as a time to salute Vietnam veterans. Because of the controversy surrounding the War, many Vietnam vets have been ignored and their service forgotten.

In keeping with this nationwide recognition there will be a presentation dedicating an aviation artifact, an A-6 Intruder windscreen, in memory of Lieutenant James “Kelly” Patterson, United States Navy, who (after 48 years) remains missing in action (MIA) somewhere in North Vietnam. May 19 is the 48th anniversary of Kelly’s loss. Friend and squadron mate of Kelly’s, Dave Cable, who witnessed Kelly being shot down by a SAM (Surface to Air Missile), will make a presentation at the American Legion at 11:45 am on May 19, 2015, dedicating the Intruder windscreen in tribute to Lt Patterson.

Kelly’s brother, Luck Patterson, from the San Diego area, will be joining the ceremony as the Guest of Honor as well a number of fellow Vietnam veterans and Island friends.

Following the presentation at the Legion, at about 1:30 pm, the windscreen will be hung in “Ernie’s Cafe” at the Port of Friday Harbor Airport for all to see.

The “Growlers” from VAQ 129, stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station will provide a Fly By over the Friday Harbor Airport at 1:25 pm on Tuesday, 19 May in tribute to Kelly.

You are welcome to join Dave at this event to remember and honor a true American hero and patriot on this anniversary of his tragic loss.

Artistic Director and Cellist Sasha von Dassow announces the inaugural season of the Friday Harbor Chamber Music Festival, June 26 and 27, 2015. Performances will be at the San Juan Community Theatre in Friday Harbor, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22 and $11 for students and are available online through the theatre at http://www.sjctheatre.org/

Festival artists are distinguished musicians from the Pacific Northwest, including:

• Sharon Stanis, Violin, from the Lafayette Quartet and University of Victoria
• Patricia Kostek, Clarinet, University of Victoria and Chamber Music San Juans
• Dr. Charles Enlow, Piano, Shoreline College, Seattle
• Eileen Swanson, Viola, Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra
• Cecilia Archuleta, Violin, Northwest Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra
• and Sasha von Dassow, Cello, of The Florida Orchestra, Tampa, Florida

Sasha von Dassow – Contributed photo

Program highlights include performances of Haydn’s “Gypsy” piano trio, Faure’s magnificent piano quartet in c, Op. 15, Mozart’s sublime Clarinet Quintet, Prokofiev’s Overture on Hebrew Themes, and Robert Schumann’s boisterous Piano Quintet Op. 44.

Come to scenic Friday Harbor to enjoy the great views, whale watching, food, and of course great music on the last weekend in June.

Please check the Festival’s website for more details. The FHCMF is produced in partnership with the San Juan Community Theatre and King’s Market, and is underwritten by the Town of Friday Harbor, with sponsorship from the new Friday Harbor Grand B&B at http://www.fridayharborgrand.com/

Did you notice that the dates this week up until the 19th are all the same both forwards and backwards? (if you don’t slash and dash). Check this out:

Amaze your friends with this great fun brought to you by the San Juan Update!

The San Juan Island Prevention Coalition’s Rock Solid Youth Group recently published some Public Safety Announcement videos on YouTube.

Fun stuff with important messages that the kids did themselves (with a little bit of help from some grownups).

One is about wearing helmets (above) and the other is all about being sure to wear a lifejacket when boating, which is kind of good advice since we live on an island.

Does the name Scott Purdum ring a bell? If you are an avid horse-lover, or have ever watched RFDTV, then you have heard of Scott Purdum’s amazing show, Advantage Horsemanship!

The San Juan County Fairgrounds is excited to have Scott himself come all the way from Maryland to lend his horsemanship skills in a two-day Advantage Horsemanship Clinic. Register yourself and your horse for the clinic and get two full days of individualized guidance from Scott in the arena.

Come Friday, June 19th to see a demonstration, audit each day for $20/person. Proceeds of this clinic will directly fund the San Juan County Fair Horse Program’s event costs during the 2015 Fair.

Cost: $275
June 20th & 21st
Contact info[@]sjcfair[.]org for a sign-up form, and call the Advantage Horsemanship team with any clinic questions: (410) 596-2865.
Click here to see the event poster (PDF).

PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center Hosts ‘Fireside Chats’ –
Free Community Education Events – Louise Dustrude photo

Advance directives for health care topic of free community education program

Ross Fewing – Contributed photo

Ross Fewing, director of the Center for Mission at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, will discuss “Advance Directives for End-of-Life Care” on Wednesday, May 20, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in a free, public community education program hosted by PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center, 1117 Spring St., Friday Harbor. The talk is one in a series of Fireside Chats the medical center is offering as part of PeaceHealth’s “Healthy You” program.

Fewing’s talk will cover:

• The importance of documenting your wishes for medical care in the event you are incapacitated and unable to express them at the time of care,
• How to make your wishes known to family, friends, and health care providers, and
• Durable power of attorney for health care.

As director of the Center for Mission, Fewing has oversight for clinical ethics consultations and the medical center’s ethics committee, mission integration, and spiritual care. Prior to joining PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in 2002, Fewing served as chaplain at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle. He earned a master’s degree in bioethics and healthcare policy from Loyola University of Chicago, a Master of Divinity from St. Thomas Seminary School of Theology, and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Thomas Seminary.

Healthy You is a program that provides resources, tools and information to support individuals in their health and wellness journey. For more information, visit http://www.peacehealth.org/healthy-you/Pages/default.aspx.