Posted March 16, 2015 at 5:30 am by Tim Dustrude
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Seattle caller Karen Marshall with hometown band, “The Spuds” on piano, fiddle, guitar & mandolin.
No partners or experience needed. $10 donation. More information is available at 378-3836 and on Facebook.
San Juan Island Grange Hall
7:00 to 9:00 pm, Saturday, March 21st
Posted March 15, 2015 at 5:39 am by Tim Dustrude
Here’s an update from Washington State Ferries…
Plan ahead for the new spring sailing schedule and upcoming fare changes. The spring sailing schedule (PDF) begins on Sunday, March 22, and annual peak-season fare surcharges go into effect May 1. The spring schedule includes the following changes:
As we head into warmer weather, it’s a good idea to arrive early, plan for busier sailings and make a reservation if you’re traveling on the San Juan Islands, Anacortes/Sidney B.C. or Port Townsend/Coupeville routes.
Posted March 14, 2015 at 6:18 am by Tim Dustrude
John Geyman with his wife Emily at last December’s SJ Community Theatre fundraiser – SJ Update photo
Did you know our island’s very own John Geyman, an M.D. has a regular blog about health care on Huffington Post? Check it out!
Posted March 14, 2015 at 6:14 am by Tim Dustrude
The Met: Live in HD on March 15 at SJCT – Contributed photo
Rossini’s bel canto tour-de-force, La Donna del Lago, is the next Met: Live in HD screening at San Juan Community Theatre on Sunday, March 15 at 2:00 p.m.
Based on the poem The Lady of the Lake by Sir Walter Scott, this classic opera features Joyce DiDonato singing the title role of Elena, the lady of the lake, pursued by two men. Juan Diego Flórez is in his fifth Live in HD bel canto role as Giacomo, the benevolent king of Scotland. Though it premiered in Naples in 1819, the opera has never been performed before at the Met.
Michele Mariotti, last featured in the popular Live in HD broadcast of Rigoletto, conducts debuting Scottish director Paul Curran’s staging, a co-production with Santa Fe Opera.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for SJCT members and $10 for student reserved. Due to a financial agreement with the Met, no SJCT coupons are accepted for these productions. Tickets are available on-line at www.sjctheatre.org or at the SJCT Box Office: 378-3210.
Posted March 13, 2015 at 11:38 am by Tim Dustrude
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Help create a night to remember for our graduating seniors, while enjoying a super fun night out for the whole family. It’s the annual FHHS Senior vs. Staff Basketball Game!
Put this on your calendar now and don’t miss the craziest night of the year in the Turnbull gym, as the 2015 senior class faces off against their nemesis team of teachers, administrators and coaches in a raucous match of skill and wit!
Start putting your extra dollars in a jar now because you will want to spend them at this unique fundraising evening featuring great food, fan games, a delicious dessert auction, 50/50 raffle and so much more.
Halftime show includes never before seen Cheerleading routines (and cheerleaders … ), a performance by the teacher band and more!
Pre-game Gourmet Grilled Cheese dinner will be prepared in the gym courtyard by Ernie’s Cafe and The Market Chef, beginning at 6:00, and the game begins at 7:00. Admission is by suggested donation but is open to all.
Bring the whole family but get there early to claim your spot at this popular fund raising event!
Posted March 13, 2015 at 5:40 am by Tim Dustrude
Kate and her horse – Tim Dustrude photo
Bits and Spurs 4H will be having a bake sale at Ace Hardware on Saturday, March 14 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
With lots of great treats to offer, this sale helps the Bits and Spurs pay for trips and clinics.
We hope to see you all there!
Posted March 13, 2015 at 5:38 am by Tim Dustrude
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Women entrepreneurs are invited to attend the EDC’s Women’s Business Boot Camp, an all-day workshop specifically designed to tune up or start-up businesses. Participants will learn how to write or revamp a business plan, find funding, learn about marketing and crowdfunding, learn how to get lucrative government contracts, how to network for business growth, and much more.
The workshop features speakers from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Small Business Development Center, the Office of Minority & Women Owned Businesses, and the EDC. Instructors will bring presentations and materials specifically designed to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses, and to find funding specifically for women-owned businesses. This workshop will provide women with clear and practical knowledge to battle difficult business challenges, making their businesses stronger.
Space is limited; please reserve seats early to ensure availability.
Date: Wednesday, March 25th, 9 am — 2:30 pm at Brickworks
Cost: $55 includes tuition, lunch and refreshments.
Scholarships are available.
The EDC thanks Islanders Bank, Heritage Bank, San Juan County government, the Town of Friday Harbor, the Port of Friday Harbor and the Port of Lopez for supporting our Business Education Series.
Posted March 13, 2015 at 5:38 am by Tim Dustrude
Starting in April at the San Juan Center, dip into the craft of creative writing with this workshop-based course for all skill levels.
Experiment with all genres — enjoying fiction, memoir, poetry, and drama.
Students will read and discuss a wide variety of literature, compose original works, and participate in peer feedback.
This class is intended to sharpen the writer’s skills of observation and to dissect finely crafted master works.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. from April 7 to June 18. Tuition is $90.
Register now to save a space! (360) 378-3220. The San Juan Center of Skagit Valley College. 221 Weber Way in Friday Harbor
Posted March 13, 2015 at 5:30 am by Tim Dustrude
9th Annual Celebration of the Orca Greeting Ceremony
Each summer, our resident pods of orca whales come together in what are called “greeting ceremonies.” In this spirit, The Whale Museum invites all orca supporters to our 9th Annual Celebration of the “Orca Greeting Ceremony.”
This Fundraising Dinner and Auction will be held on Friday, April 24 at Brickworks in Friday Harbor. The evening will begin at 5:30 pm with a happy hour & silent auction followed by a gourmet dinner, live auction and dessert auction. For more information, call (360) 378-4710 ext. 30.
Posted March 13, 2015 at 5:23 am by Tim Dustrude
Logic and Accuracy Test March 25
Voters in the San Juan Island Park and Recreation District will be deciding on a levy for the district in the April 28 Special Election.
A “Logic and Accuracy” test of ballot tabulating equipment used in San Juan County for the election is scheduled for March 25. The test works by tallying the results of a prepared set of ballots to see if the results match the votes cast. The test will take place at 10:00 am in the Elections Office located at 55 Second Street, Suite A, in Friday Harbor.
The test is performed before every election to ensure that tabulation hardware and software equipment are compliant with Washington State rules and will accurately count the votes.
All interested members of the public are invited to observe the test.
Posted March 12, 2015 at 6:51 pm by Tim Dustrude
Seated front row, L-R: Presley Clark, Trinity Cullen, Joshua May, Sage Penwell, Maxwell Canavan, Colby Boarder, Audrey Allen, Marcia King and Tristan Cullen. Standing back row, L-R: Keegan Bailey, Alex Homan, Ava Smith, Cole Wilson, Isabella VanderYacht, Joseph Kaden, Emily Cane, A.J. Kurtz, Peter Kulseth, Zoe Wegener, Joanna Evans, Bridger Bell and Justin Ha. – Tim Dustrude photo
Rotary president Thomas Sandstrom presents awards to 1st place winner Justin Ha (at right) and 2nd place winner Joshua May – Tim Dustrude photo
Justin Ha walked away from this year’s Spelling Bee with $100.00 for himself, $200.00 for his 7th grade class (Mr. McMain) and $300.00 for the FH Middle School after winning first place out of a group of 22 FH Elementary, FH Middle School and Paideia Classical School contestants.
2nd Place went to Joshua May who took $75.00 for himself, $150.00 for his 5th grade Class (Mr. Duke), and $200.00 for FH Elementary School.
The annual Spelling Bee was Sponsored by San Juan Island Rotary Club with awards presented by Rotary President Thomas Sandstrom.
Posted March 12, 2015 at 5:57 am by Tim Dustrude
Jan Bollwinkel-Smith and Kyle Loring doing the balloon thing – Contributed photo
Island Rec is still recruiting for local organizations that would like to participate in the 25th Annual Children’s Festival by hosting an activity.
In keeping with this year’s festival theme – Aloha! Escape to Paradise! – activity providers will be joined by the likes of The Whale Museum, Families and Neighbors Support Island Rec, the Library, Children’s House Montessori and many others.
To be included in the festival, organizations interested in joining the fun are urged to submit their activity proposals to Island Rec no later than March 27th. Inquiries should be directed to Morgan Johnston,
Morgan [@] islandrec [.] org.
The Children’s Festival will take place Saturday, May 2th, 10am-2pm at the Fairgrounds building. For more information, please call 378-4953 or visit www.islandrec.org
Posted March 12, 2015 at 5:50 am by Tim Dustrude
March for Meals Luncheon at Mullis Senior Center to support Meals on Wheels and More
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The community is invited to enjoy a delicious lunch and live entertainment by Jim Moe aka “Frank Sinatra.”
As part of the nationwide March for Meals campaign, the Mullis Community Senior center will host a special community-wide luncheon to benefit Meals on Wheels and More on Wednesday, March 25th, starting at Noon. There will be live entertainment by Jimmy Moe aka “Frank Sinatra.”
The menu includes:
Advance tickets cost: $10, and at the door: $15. Tickets are available at the Mullis Senior Center. All proceeds support Meals on Wheels and More to help ensure no senior goes hungry. The Mullis Senior Center is located at 589 Nash Street, Friday Harbor.
About Meals on Wheels and More
Meals on Wheels and More supports the health and independence of older adults in Whatcom and San Juan Counties by:
All meals are provided on a donation only basis. For additional information, visit www.wccoa.org, or Facebook, or call the Mullis Senior Center at 360-378-9102.
Posted March 12, 2015 at 5:48 am by Tim Dustrude
The true story of the Hemingway family and their struggles with mental illness. A documentary in which the model and actress, Mariel Hemingway, great granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway comes to terms with her family history of suicide and mental illness. As Mariel finds her way to overcoming this for herself and her daughters, she also speaks out to raise awareness of these issues.
For more information and to view a trailer, click here.
Running From Crazy – 7:00 pm Tuesday, March 17th at the Grange.
Admission is free. Donations are appreciated.
Posted March 12, 2015 at 5:45 am by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a note from Debbi Fincher about the upcoming 5th Grade Pancake Breakfast fundraiser…
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Hi Tim,
My youngest, Luke, is in the 5th grade this year and it’s the annual pilgrimage to the Seattle Pacific Science Center. We could use your help in getting the word out on the tradition of a Pancake Breakfast made by the parents and students of the 5th grade.
It’s really a great deal and this year we are offering a pre-sale ticket, so adults can save $2 off the ticket price at the door. If anyone would like to make a pre-order, we would appreciate having that in by March 18th, so we can be sure to order enough food!
They could place a pre-order with any 5th grade parent they know or contact me at 378-9479. The kids will be helping at the breakfast to greet and serve our community.
The breakfast will be at the elementary school. It’s in coordination with our FHES PTA book Fair, too! And, we have some parents helping to put together some fun and interesting raffles!
Thanks for your support. Take care, Debbi
Posted March 12, 2015 at 5:35 am by Tim Dustrude
Jim Morrison of the Island Chordsmen Plus, shares this note of thanks with you…
The dust has settled from our “Island Chordsmen Plus” Singing Valentine effort of last month, and it is due time to publicly thank all those who had a part in the fun: those singing and all the receivers; and others making it a success.
Our singers, both young and ‘old’, walked the extra mile in learning a slew of newer songs, taking extra time to perfect them, led by Angel Michaels, one of the Island’s gems, who helped us grow musically to where Islanders would WANT to listen to us warble! On Friday and Valentine’s Day, the singers, in red vests and bow ties, hung in there for two long, fun-filled days of singing to over 400 smiling Islanders as we crisscrossed the Rock, surprising wives, husbands, employees, bystanders, and even appreciative diners at restaurants. An amazing effort by an amazing, dedicated group! Continue Reading