That’s Kerry and BooBoo, the organizers for Friday Harbor’s Run Ladies Run, reminding you to get registered for this year’s race – Tim Dustrude photo

It’s about that time again – The race happens on Saturday, March 21st, starting at Brickworks at 9:30 am. Ladies, you’ll want to get registered before that, and you can do it online at this website.

Then be sure to be ready for packet pick up the day before, March 20 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at the Cask and Schooner

For more information, check out the Facebook Page or contact via email at
runladiesrunfh [@] gmail [.] com

Or of course there’s always the phone too: (360) 298-0351 for Kerry or (360) 640-4506 for BooBoo.

Get Your Washington State Boater’s Education Card

A comprehensive basic boating safety course for Power, Sail & Paddle boats, will be held over 6 Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Skagit Valley College in Friday Harbor, starting March 12th.

The instructional manual and 2 CD’s are $45.00 and can be shared by a couple. Instruction is FREE. Current Middle & High School students receive a 50% discount. Completion of the course qualifies for the required WA State Boater’s Education Card, a 6 month membership in the Friday Harbor Power Squadron allowing you to take advanced classes and participate in all activities, multiple discounts offered by the United States Power Squadrons and up to 15% discount on Marine Insurance.

Topics include: Choosing the Right Boat, Required Safety Equipment, Docking, Operator Responsibilities, State & Local Regulations, Navigation Rules and Aids, Lights & Sound Signals, Charts, Anchoring, Handling Boating Emergencies & Weather, Use of VHF Radio, Trailering, Knots and Plotting a Course on both Paper and Electronic charts.

To register or for more information contact: Ann Einboden by phone at 378-3288 or by email at:
ein [@] rockisland [.] com.

Thank You,
Ann Einboden
Chair of Public Boating Education

The new IMA building up on Spring Street – Tim Dustrude photo

Executive Director
Organization seeks to hire an experienced individual with a successful track record in the lead position of management of a visual arts museum.

The executive director will report to the organization’s president and board and be responsible for all aspects of the museum’s month-to-month operations. All staff directors and committee heads will report to that position. Moreover, the individual will be charged with helping set the strategic direction of the museum in conjunction with the board.

Please contact Charlie Bodenstab:
charlie [@] bodenstab [.] com
653 Hannah Road
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
(360) 378-3503

Kathryn Hansen plays in the snow with an Iditarod Sled Dog – Contributed photo

Louise Dustrude spoke with Kathryn Hansen about her volunteer work next week on the Iditarod Sled Dog race in Alaska and here’s her story…

How many volunteers does it take to put on the Iditarod sled dog race? If you check the website, it looks like it must be a couple thousand, at least.

Two volunteers this year, back for their second stint, are life partners Kathryn Hansen of Friday Harbor and Steve Perret of Bellingham.

Two years ago they vounteered as dog handlers for this granddaddy of all sled dog races. This year they can’t stay for the entire race, so they will be helping out with communications and statistics in the Anchorage office.

Steve Perret prepares to help out as a dog handler volunteer – Contributed photo

Kathryn is an animal lover and acknowledged adrenaline junkie. She and Steve devote many weekends every year to road races of various kinds, including time, speed, and distance rallies. In fact, they’ll drive (not fly) to Anchorage next week for the Iditarod so that they can check out the route for next winter’s Alcan 5000.

The ceremonial start of the race on March 7 will be, as always, in Anchorage. Two days later the restart (you might say, the real start) will be in Fairbanks. Most years the restart takes place in Willow, but there’s a dearth of snow this year making that route unsafe for sled dogs — hence the last-minute switch.

The number of mushers entering the race appears at this point to be about 60 men and 23 women. Each musher has to start with 16 dogs, and must finish with at least six. Many dogs have to drop out along the approximately 1000-mile trail for one reason or another, and one of the many volunteer jobs is transporting these dogs back to Anchorage and tending to them there until they can be picked up.

Other volunteers staff the 23 checkpoints along the trail — clocking the mushers in and out, providing places for them and their dogs to rest, serving food, and doing the multitude of other tasks necessary.

Is Kathryn a musher wannabe? “Probably.” Will Kathryn and Steve volunteer for another Iditarod? Certainly.

Kathryn works for the San Juan County Parks and Fair Department, and Steve works as an auto mechanic at Gundie’s Auto Wrecking in Bellingham.

The Round Towner

Here’s a letter from the ‘Round Towner folks…

Dear Editor:

‘RoundTowner celebrates its 1st year of service and continues to provide affordable transportation, in town, to our Friends and Neighbors.  We are neighbors helping neighbors.

Without the ‘RoundTowner service, impaired elders and disabled people who do not drive must stay home or spend $15.00 to $20.00 for a taxi trip for medical care or to the store and back.  Inclement weather, varying disability levels, stamina for carrying loads and preference to manage one’s own errands all make some of our neighbors seek public transportation assistance.  Prior to our free or affordable service, some elderly folks did not go to the doctor or shop and eat nutritiously due to transportation expense.  We are assisting these vulnerable people.

Since we received our non-profit certification last July, we have been working to raise funds to continue daily ‘RoundTowner ride service. This includes riders who can afford to make cash donations, which we appreciate immensely.  The ride is FREE, donations are wonderful. Continue Reading

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

“Go big or go home”, that’s what I always say. My name is Levi, and I’m what you might call a Big Ol’ Hunk-o-Love. One hundred and fifteen pounds of love, to be exact.

I’m only about seven years old and exceptionally good looking, as you can see. I believe there may have been German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers in my family tree, but all I know is I’m a big, gentle guy who gets along great with everyone – particularly people. I just love people. And dog treats. Those are good too. Let’s get some!

A view from outside the new building – Tim Dustrude photo

As promised last week, here are a few more photos which were shot at the grand opening of the new Islands Museum of Art last week.

One of six new Fire Engines – Lt. Tom Eades photo

This month, Sheila Harley, the public information officer of San Juan Island Fire Rescue, shares the “Meet Your Volunteer Firefighter” column, only this time it’s about the New Fire Engines…

Six new engines are all here now and ready to go! Actually they have been in service for several months. They are replacing the fire engines that have protected us for 30 years.

San Juan Island Fire Rescue purchased your new engines from General Fire Equipment in Spokane, Washington. Not only did we get a good deal, but we also were able to arrange the sale so that much of the sales tax revenue stayed local. The new engines should serve the community for at least 25 years. The Fire District paid about $350,000.00 per engine. (That’s about $50,000 LESS than most communities pay for a fire engine.)

The engines are island specific. In other words they were designed with our island’s particular needs in mind. They provide much better driver sight therefore providing more safety for the crew aboard. The crew all face forward providing safety and much better communication between them. The retiring engines had firefighters sitting facing backwards and exposed to the elements. Continue Reading

[Note: This story has been updated to include info on building and donating a birdhouse]

Here’s a message from Kathleen Foley of the San Juan Preservation Trust about the first bluebirds on San Juan…

Western Bluebird – Photo used with permission from photographer Dave Johnson

Northern shrikes, tree swallows… and Western Bluebirds in San Juan Valley this morning! My, spring has sprung. Any idea what our earliest reported tree swallow sighting on San Juan Island is?

Folks on San Juan Island in particular: A pair of bluebirds has already returned, which means more may be coming (or are already here). Its time to keep an eye out for them again. Please report any sightings as soon as possible to me at 360-298-1856 or via email at:
kathleenf [@] sjpt [.] org

…and here’s a bit more from Barb Jensen:

They do need some new nest boxes to replace old ones and there are a few new sites that need coverage. If you would like to make and donate a box, take the completed box to the SJP Trust office at 446 Argyle in Friday Harbor. If you would like to donate funds to have one built, you can send to our Audubon chapter, SJI Audubon, 5163 Roche Harbor Road, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 or send me an email at:
skylark [@] rockisland [.] com

We earmark these funds just for the bluebird program. All the boxes we make will go to the SJP Trust.

Love these first signs of Spring.

Cheers, Barb

Many thanks to Dave Johnson for use of the photo.

Attached are the plans for Bluebird nest boxes (PDF). We ask that you send us the boxes you build and not put up on your property as there has been a major problem with House Sparrows invading the boxes and destroying bluebird eggs and chicks. We also find other birds will use the boxes like swallows. If you don’t have bluebird habitat you can use these boxes for other birds. I will not be able to receive any boxes until early March so drop them off at the Trust office in Friday Harbor. We need about two dozen boxes. Go to North American Bluebird Society http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/ to learn more about bluebirds.

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 a.m.—2:30 p.m. 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.

This note is from Sally Thomsen, program director at Island Rec…

Island Rec’s 6-Year Levy Expires; Levy Renewal in April

San Juan Island Park and Recreation District, better known as Island Rec, is funded through a property tax approved by voters every six years. The current levy which expires this year has funded school sports and Island Rec’s parks and programs since 2010. By state law Park and Recreation District levies are limited to 6 years with a financial cap of 60 cents. On January 20th, Island Rec’s Commissioners unanimously signed a resolution requesting a 38.5 cents levy be put on the April Ballot to continue Island Rec parks and programs, school sports and the operation and maintenance of a new 30 acre community park.

18.5cents will be dedicated to continue Island Rec’s parks, programs and services including the Trails Committee. In 2014 Island Rec organized over 2,900 hours of recreation programs for nearly 15,000 participants of all ages. Island Rec operates and maintains the Family Park and Skatepark at the Fairgrounds, Eddie and Friends Dog Park on Mullis Street and Lafarge Open Space (gravel pit) on Pear Point Road.

12 cents will be dedicated to the school sports program as it exists today. The school district has applied its local levy to sustain basic education and has no further levy tax capability. The school district has no other viable budgetary options to continue a school sports program without Island Rec’s partnership. Continue Reading

Here’s a news bit right off the OPALCO website today…

OPALCO and Rock Island Join Forces to Deliver Internet Services to San Juan County

Thursday, February 19th, 2015

General Manager Foster Hildreth announced today that Orcas Power and Light Cooperative (OPALCO) has acquired Rock Island Communications. Rock Island will merge its staff, infrastructure and operations with OPALCO to deliver modern, scalable and reliable broadband services for homes and businesses in San Juan County. “The full transition may take a little time,” said Hildreth, “but we can hit the ground running, thanks to the tireless efforts of Gerry Lawlor, who will serve as the Executive Vice President of Rock Island.”

“This is a win-win scenario for all of us in San Juan County,” said Mike Greene, founder of Rock Island. “We have the expertise and a long history in the community, and OPALCO has the infrastructure backbone to take us to the next level.”

Mike will continue to manage the system as Vice President of Technology. “The sale satisfied all my criteria,” said Greene, who has entertained a number of offers. “This acquisition meets my personal and professional goals, protects the interest of our employees, and benefits the community with an exciting new line of services.” Continue Reading

The Enchanted Forest at Mitchell Hill – Tim Dustrude photo

A beautiful February hike out on the Mitchell Hill portion of the National Park near English Camp can yield some spectacular scenery. This was one of the views in the thick, lush forest last Sunday.

March 7 Community Engagement in Oil Spill Preparedness and Response Workshop

Oil Tanker at anchor near the March Point refineries – Tim Dustrude photo

Residents of the San Juan Islands who are concerned about oil spills along the coastline are invited to a community workshop on oil spill response and readiness sponsored by the Northwest Straits Foundation and the San Juan County Marine Resources Committee. A free workshop on Community Engagement in Oil Spill Response and Readiness will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday, March 7, 2015, in the Commons building at Friday Harbor Labs, 620 University Road, Friday Harbor.

Residents may see increased oil tanker and cargo ship traffic in the Straits. For example, a dramatic increase in tanker traffic could result from a Trans Mountain pipeline proposal – from about 5 tankers a month currently to more than 30 tankers a month. The tankers could carry oil from the Trans Mountain pipeline through Haro Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Other proposed terminal projects will further add to commercial marine vessel traffic in the Straits.

How does an increase in tanker traffic affect the potential of a major oil spill? What will happen if a major oil spill occurs off the shores of San Juan County? How will it impact our coastal habitat and resources? Who is in charge of spill response and what happens behind the scenes? What is the role of elected officials and emergency managers during oil spills in our community? How can citizen volunteers be involved in the clean-up? Continue Reading

An enchanting fairy tale and an erotic psychological thriller highlight the next The Met: Live in HD at San Juan Community Theatre on Monday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m.

Iolanta – Contributed photo

On the heels of her triumphant Met performances in Eugene Onegin, soprano Anna Netrebko takes on another Tchaikovsky heroine in Iolanta. She stars as the beautiful blind girl who experiences love for the first time.

Bluebeard’s Castle – Contributed photo

Then Nadja Michael is the unwitting victim of the diabolical Bluebeard, played by Mikhail Petrenko, in Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle.

Both operas are directed by Mariusz Trelinski, who was inspired by classic noir films of the 1940s; Valery Gergiev conducts both operas.

Tickets for the evening of opera 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.

Click to enlarge poster

Dawn Alger, head oncology nurse at PIMC, and Bonnie Oak Boesky have teamed up to put together a cancer care support group over a 4 week period, consisting of 4 meals – each centered on a theme: Trust, Gratitude, Sorrow and Comfort/Joy.

The program is sponsored by Peace Island and has been funded by the San Juan Island Community Foundation. A big thanks to Lakedale Resort for their generous contribution in hosting the event.

It is free of charge and open to anyone, (even those not getting treatment at Peace Island), and for people both currently in treatment and those finished with treatment – pretty much anyone who would like the support of others currently facing cancer.

Click on the poster for more info.