Posted February 13, 2015 at 5:44 am by Tim Dustrude
Click to enlarge poster
The Chameleons are rocking the house tonight at 7:30 pm, to kick off the first night of live music for 2015 at the Rumor Mill.
Feeling the love? Come on over to the for some pre-Valentine’s Day live music. Be ready to boogie the night away. Come early and enjoy the specials featured for the holiday weekend.
Posted February 13, 2015 at 5:43 am by Tim Dustrude
Les Contes d’Hoffmann, in HD – Contributed photo
The Metropolitan Opera offers a wild and kaleidoscopic production of Offenbach’s operatic masterpiece, Les Contes d’Hoffmann, in HD at San Juan Community Theatre on Sunday, February 15 at 2:00 p.m.
Recorded live earlier this month, the magnetic tenor Vittorio Grigolo takes on the tortured poet and unwitting adventurer of the title character. Hibla Gerzmava, Erin Morley, and Christine Rice sing the three heroines—each an idealized embodiment of some aspect of Hoffmann’s desire. Thomas Hampson portrays the shadowy Four Villains, and Yves Abel conducts the sparkling score.
Tickets for Les Contes d’Hoffmann 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 February 13, 2015 at 5:35 am by Tim Dustrude
The U.S. is currently experiencing outbreaks of measles, mumps and pertussis (whooping cough), including cases reported in Washington State.
While no cases related to the current outbreaks have been reported in San Juan County, San Juan County Health & Community Services encourages individuals and family members to review their vaccination status.
If vaccinations are not up to date, or you have questions about vaccinations, this is a good opportunity to contact your health care provider to discuss vaccine options for you and your family. Remember, Community Immunity is the best prevention.
If you have any questions contact San Juan County Health and Community Services 378-4474.
Posted February 12, 2015 at 7:41 pm by Tim Dustrude
New J-pod Calf – Orca Network photo
This just in from the Center for Whale Research…
After spending the past two weeks near the west entrance of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, J pod finally came back into the interior Salish Sea waters and showed off another brand new baby whale to the few observers that braved the mist and light rain and watched the whales swim by from land and from vessels at respectful distance. Dave Ellifrit from the Center for Whale Research, and Jeanne Hyde who first heard the whales on Lime Kiln hydrophone this morning, embarked on the Center ‘s research vessel “Chimo” to Haro Strait while CWR Senior Scientist, Ken Balcomb, watched from shore and managed communications.
The late December calf, J50, with its J16 family were seen today as well; but, the big news is that J19 and J41 were swimming protectively on either side on another new baby that we estimate is about one week old. This newest addition to J pod is designated J51, and the presumed mother is thirty-six year old J19. Her ten-year old daughter, J41, was also in attendance. The newest baby appears healthy.
Posted February 12, 2015 at 5:49 am by Tim Dustrude
San Juan Mentoring program serves youth 8-14 years of age. Students who are mentored are more likely to improve academically and develop positive social skills. They are LESS likely to use drugs and alcohol.
A mentor and their matched mentee spend one hour weekly for a minimum of one year. Training and ongoing support is provided.
If you have a desire to work with youth and would like to apply, contact:
Barbara Ellis, Mentor Program Coordinator, WSU 4-H 370-7665 or Jennifer Armstrong, Director Family Resouce Center 378-5246.
This program is a partnership with the San Juan Family Resource Center and WSU 4-H, San Juan.
Posted February 12, 2015 at 5:40 am by Tim Dustrude
From Snapshots to Great Shots: How to Make Better Photographs with your digital camera in two easy sessions, February 21 and 28, 2015 at the Skagit Valley College.
In the first session you’ll learn the fundamentals of photography, how to set up your camera, and then how to use the camera more effectively to get better photos. In the second session, you learn about how to use the light – including existing light and the flash in your camera, how to compose images for greater impact and how to manage your photos after you’ve taken them.
Chamber members get 10% off the price of each session. For more information, please visit www.photographybymarkgardner.com, or call Mark at 378-1371.
Posted February 12, 2015 at 5:39 am by Tim Dustrude
Barbara Marrett from the Visitor’s Bureau shares this note about tourism…
Washington State Legislature is poised to support permanent funding for tourism promotion
Here are a few facts about San Juan County and Washington State that not everyone knows:
We are poised to fire up this economic engine again. This week representatives from the San Juan County Council and the *San Juan County Visitors Bureau will be joining tourism industry representatives from all over the state in Olympia. Our goal? Ask our congresspersons to support bills that would allow our alluring state to tell its story once again, by creating a program to raise $7.5 million in promotional funding.
When visitors are drawn to Washington they discover the Islands as well. The former state tourism office was a powerful partner to the San Juan County Visitors Bureau, sending us media leads, maintaining a film and photo library for us, archives and much more. Their support has been greatly missed.
Posted February 12, 2015 at 5:38 am by Tim Dustrude
FREE! Book-It Repertory Brings Alice to San Juan Community Theatre
Lewis Carroll’s prized book, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, moves to the stage for island youngsters on Friday, February 13.
Starting at 3:00 p.m., the Northwest’s Book-It Repertory Theatre will present their own adaptation of the classic story in San Juan Community Theatre’s Whittier Theatre, bringing to life Alice and her adventure down the rabbit hole, into a fantasy world called Wonderland.
Following the free performance, children in grades 3-6 may join the Book-It Theatre actors for a workshop and learn to connect with books on multiple levels—they ask questions, dialogue with others, and make meaning out of what they read, see and hear—all while being “up on their feet.” (The workshop is limited to 35 students; to sign up, contact the Box Office at 378-3210 or call Diana at 378-3211, ext. 23.)
Founded 24 years ago as an artists’ collective, Book-It is dedicated to transforming great literature into great theater through simple and sensitive production and to inspiring its audiences to read.
The Theatre’s visit to Friday Harbor was made possible from a donation by the San Juan Island Community Foundation.
Posted February 12, 2015 at 5:29 am by Tim Dustrude
Friday Harbor Film Festival 2015 Winter Film Series presents: BIDDER 70
Tim DeChristoper is Bidder 70, a young man who derailed an illegal BLM oil and gas auction in a courageous act of civil
disobedience.
DeChristopher, a student environmentalist, aka “Bidder 70”, monkey wrenched President Bush’s last minute, fraudulent BLM Oil & Gas Lease Auction on December 19, 2008. A sudden impulse and a warrior is born.
Tuesday, February 17th at 7:00 pm at the Grange
Posted February 12, 2015 at 5:20 am by Tim Dustrude
Debbie Sandwith at Roche Harbor shares this notice from the Dept. of Fish & Wildlife…
The recreational fishery in Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) will close to salmon fishing at the end of the day Feb. 15.
Fishery managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) made the decision after evaluating catch rates for the area, said Ron Warren, policy lead for WDFW’s fish program.
“We’re thrilled that anglers have done so well fishing in the San Juans over the last several weeks,” Warren said. “This step, similar to the previous actions we’ve taken, is being done to protect wild chinook stocks.”
In January, WDFW reduced the catch limit in the San Juan Islands to one salmon per day, down from two, and later limited fishing to a schedule of Friday, Saturday and Sunday each week in an effort keep the fishery open as long as possible.
Anyone still hoping to fish for chinook salmon in nearby waters can head to marine areas 6 (eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca), 8-1 (Deception Pass), 8-2 (Port Susan) and 9 (Admiralty Inlet), which are scheduled to remain open into April. Anglers should check for updates on WDFW’s Fishing Hotline (360-902-2500) or the department’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/ .
(Chinook Salmon image courtesy Wa. Dept. of Fish & Wildlife)
Posted February 11, 2015 at 5:55 am by Tim Dustrude
Toes in the Sand – Tim Dustrude photo
St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza and Hawaiian Getaway Tickets on Sale Now!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 14 when Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor holds its 17th annual, ever popular, St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza at the San Juan Island Yacht Club. Tickets are on sale now at Spa d Bune and The Toy Box for the $30.00 dinner auction, as well as raffle tickets you will not want to miss!
Once again, Soroptimists have created a Hawaiian Getaway raffle, featuring an oceanfront condo located on the beautiful garden island of Kauai. The resort is called Kapa’a Sands, Coconut Coast of Kaua’i. You can visit their website at www.kapaasands.com. Just look at what is included:
Total package value is $1,600 and with only 100 raffle tickets available for just $50 each, your chances of winning are fantastic! Other raffle items are also available for $1.00 a ticket. Continue Reading
Posted February 11, 2015 at 5:50 am by Tim Dustrude
This happens today from 4 – 6 pm…
It’s the adults’ turn to play with paper and scissors and make something for that someone special. Supplies provided, but feel free to supplement with your own. No registration necessary.
San Juan Island Library meeting room, free. Wednesday, February 11, from 4-6PM
Posted February 11, 2015 at 5:45 am by Tim Dustrude
San Juan Community Theatre Artistic Director
(part-time position)
Working in close partnership with the Theatre’s Chief Administrative Officer, the Artistic Director is responsible for conceiving, developing, and implementing the artistic vision and focus of the organization. Selects and evaluates programs for the year, including local stage productions and performance groups, touring artists, school presentations, educational outreach, and HD streaming events. Supervises both artistic and technical personnel, and frequently acts as Theatre’s key spokesperson. Requires extensive experience in the performing arts, including a working knowledge of the technical and production aspects of theater, as well as strong interpersonal and communications skills.
For a complete position description, contact Mary Blevins at 378-3211 ext. 29 or by email at:
cao [@] sjctheatre [.] org
The deadline for applications is Monday, February 23.
Posted February 11, 2015 at 5:40 am by Tim Dustrude
Click to enlarge poster
Here’s a Valentine’s reminder from Helen at Island Stage Left…
Before or after your Valentine dinner, come and join us at 7:00 on the 13th or 7:00 or 8:15 on the 14th. Today is the last day to ask for poems to be dedicated to someone (or people) you LOVE. See details on the poster. We’d LOVE to see you!
For you and and the people you LOVE, whether they be children, parents, old friends, lovers or the world at large!
Posted February 10, 2015 at 5:51 am by Tim Dustrude
This internationally-acclaimed songwriter duo just happens to live on San Juan Island!
Dave and Mandy have been touring extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe and will be back on the island with a live concert celebrating the release of their new album, Maritime, which captures a moment in time and place from their seaside home.
Upon early release in Europe, Maritime charted at #1 on the EuroAmericana Chart for two consecutive months and ranked among the Top Albums of 2014 by The Telegraph, praising it for “…soulful songs, intuitive musicianship and fine singing.”
“Maritime”, was recorded live on San Juan Island (not the video above) in a home, at the end of a dirt road, amidst towering evergreens. The duo called on their cohort of kindred musicians and producers to come together from across the country to make what they were calling their “island record.” Unique in its authenticity—navigating the waters of folk, indie-rock, and rootsy Americana—the album is emotive, raw and honest. Continue Reading
Posted February 10, 2015 at 5:50 am by Tim Dustrude
2015 Spay Ghetti Dinner is Tuesday, Feb.24
Gather the troups and join us at the Mullis Community Center for the animal shelter’s annual ‘Spay’Ghetti Dinner to help fund the APS spay/neuter programs. This year’s dinner menu will include choice of spaghetti with meat sauce or fettucini alfredo, caesar salad, jello salad, garlic bread and a huge array of homemade desserts created by some of the best island bakers. Gluten free options available as well. Beverages will include coffee, tea. soda and water, and wine will also be available for purchase. There will be live music by Kirk Fuhrmeister, a silent auction and raffle. Great family event. Tickets available at the door.
Tuesday, 24 February 24th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Mullis Center