Ron Garner is this month’s Meet Your Volunteer Firefighter – Contributed photo

Here’s Sheila Harley with this month’s spotlight…

Ron Garner has been volunteering on San Juan Island since 1984.

In the early years he and his late wife served with the National Historical Park as interpretive rangers. Ron taught junior high school in Ohio so they came out during summer vacations to work. In 1996 they settled here and he volunteered at English camp where he now is involved with the yearly encampments demonstrating blacksmithing, woodworking or pioneer life. He also marches with the National Park Service color guard.

Ron volunteers for The American Red Cross as a photographer and is the liaison between The American Red Cross and San Juan Island Fire Rescue. He also volunteers at the Life Care Center helping residents with their genealogies and is helping them run a garden model railroad. He has also volunteered at the library and with 4H.

Starting in 1985 Ron was a volunteer with the Town of Friday Harbor Fire Department as structural firefighter and PIO/photographer. Then in 1996 he joined San Juan Island Fire Rescue. Continue Reading

The Friday Harbor High School Senior Class of 2015/PTSA is now taking orders for their annual Holiday Wreath sale. Get your beautiful, aromatic, long-lasting, 24” Northwest Noble Fir wreath with pinecones, berries, and a handmade bow in the color of your choice for only $25.00!! These wreaths make great gifts for friends, family, neighbors and business associates.

This is the largest fundraiser for the Class of 2015. Proceeds will be used to pay for a memorable, safe and sane graduation celebration.

Wreath orders may be placed with any Friday Harbor High School Senior Class member or contact: Pamela Williams by email at:
pamelaw [@] rock island [.] com, or (360) 472-1818. She will be happy to have a student from the Class of 2015 contact you to take your order.

Orders may be placed until Wednesday, November 19, 2014. Students will begin delivery of the wreaths on Saturday, November 22, 2014, just in time for the holidays.

Wreaths will also be available at the Island Artisan’s Holiday Fair, Friday, November 28th and Saturday, November 29th at the Friday Harbor Elementary School. Additionally, students will be selling wreaths at the Friday Harbor Tree Lighting ceremony on Friday, December 5th.

If you don’t need a wreath but would still like to support the seniors, your donation would be greatly appreciated. Donation checks should be made payable to ‘FHHS PTSA’ with Grad Night 2015 in the memo line and mailed to Grad Night 2015 Committee, c/o Luanne Hoeller, POB 2025, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

Thank you for your support!

Friday Harbor High School’s boys and girls soccer teams have each won the academic state championship for the 2B classification.

According to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) website, “any team or group with an average GPA of 3.0 or higher qualifies for a state award. A team with an average of 3.00 – 3.49 qualifies for the Distinguished Team Award, and a team with an average of 3.50-4.00 qualifies for the Outstanding Team Award. In addition, the team or group with the highest average GPA for their activities and classification level is recognized as Academic State Champion.”

Friday Harbor’s Boys Soccer team averaged 3.380 GPA and the Girls Soccer Team averaged 3.740 for the fall quarter.

“I think it is fantastic the way our students are able to balance academics with athletic participation. Go Wolverines!” said Rod Turnbull, Friday Harbor High School Athletic Director.

For more information, click this link.
Questions may be directed to Rod Turnbull, Friday Harbor High School Athletic Director at 378-5214, ext. 7299.

Bob Anderson – Contributed photo

Meet Bob Anderson, local expert outdoorsman and owner of Star Survey, Friday Harbor. Bob has twice surveyed Mt. Rainier in the National Park and is known internationally for his work. Using photographs, he will share that experience plus stories from his hiking and camping adventures. Refreshments will be served. Everyone welcome; young and old!

“What’s this all about?” you might be asking – Having enjoyed success with Know Your Island Walks, the Trails Committee is launching a new series designed for those who do not or cannot get out to walk with us, plus everyone else, of course! It is to be called The “Know Your Islanders Talks”. These talks are planned in conjunction with our public library and the first one will be Monday, Nov. 3rd at 6:30pm in the main salon of the library, 1010 Guard Street.

Gina (L) and Vikky showing off their “before” photos – Tim Dustrude photo

Please be our guest on Thursday morning, November 6th. We meet in the rear Administration Building of Islanders bank, downstairs in the Community Room. Doors open at 8:15 am and the meeting runs from 8:45 until approximately 9:15 am.

Everyone is welcome to join us as Members get ready for the upcoming holiday season. Why wait for a New Year’s Resolution to weigh less and be healthier?

Come see what we are all about – for free that day – and learn how San Juan Island has lost almost THREE TONS of weight (that’s 6,000 pounds)!

It’s Back to You Season and that season starts NOW. Join us!
Email Gina & Vikky: sjiweightwatchers [@] gmail [.] com for more information.

You know that big wind storm we had last week? I was just talking with my friend Scott who lives on his boat. He was anchored in Parks Bay that night, and the wind took his kayaks away.

If you see  some kayaks, or hear of someone finding a couple of Mainstream Streak orange and yellow splash design kayaks, 9-1/2′ long, (somewhat similar to the photo above) give Scott a call would you? 317-8612. These are the kind you can find at West Marine.

Thanks!

Here’s a note from our local Special Olympics group…

Please join us in cheering for our local special olympics athletes at our very own local event! Monday November 3rd at 3:45 PM. Paradise Lanes Bowling Alley, Friday Harbor, WA.

Eight athletes ranging in age from 9 years old through adult will be competing at Paradise Lanes in Friday Harbor on Monday November 3rd at 3:45 pm. The community is invited to cheer them on and celebrate our newly formed local team. Four of our local athletes have chosen to go on to the Regional Tournament in Mount Vernon on November 8th. If an athlete receives a gold medal in the regional tournament they are qualified for the National Bowling Tournament. San Juan Islands Special Olympics was started last year and now offers bowling sponsored by Paradise Lanes and golf sponsored by San Juan Golf and Country Club.

Besides Paradise Lanes and San Juan Golf and Country Club, supporters and volunteers have included Kiwanis, Westwind Aviation, Jack Rice, Dayana Nunez (fundraisers), the SJI Committee (Becky Bell, Deb Nolan, Maude Cumming, Ron Krebbs, Jen DeShon, Kristee and Chris Rajczi, Jerry Ball, Scott Olinger), the athletes, parents, siblings, family and friends, and so many more. Thank you for celebrating our athletes and our local programs. For information on registering a team member or how you can help our team please contact Becky Bell at
beckymuddbell [@] yahoo [.] com

The Rotary Club of San Juan Island recently presented Dictionaries to 3rd grade, Thesauruses to 4th grade, and Gazetteers to 5th grade students at Friday Harbor Elementary School.

Rotary has been giving personal dictionaries to Friday Harbor students since 2008, coordinated by Barbara Fagan, Rotary Literacy Chairperson.

The goal of the Dictionary Project is to assist students to become good writers, active readers and creative thinkers.

Rotary is encouraged to see our students excited and having fun as they explore words, maps, sign-language and much more in their books.

Rotary International is an organization of people united worldwide who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. The Rotary Club of San Juan Island (Friday Harbor) meets every Wednesday at 8:00 am at the Friday Harbor House. Membership info at this link.

Nationwide Event Encourages Families to Support the Local Toy Stores they Love

As a child, there’s nothing quite as exciting as a trip to the neighborhood toy store. Gazing with wonder at the aisles of exciting choices… holding your new toy for the very first time… anticipating the moment when you finally take your new gifts home.

On Saturday, November 8, The Toy Box will join hundreds of locally owned stores across the country to celebrate the fifth annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day, coordinated by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) to help families discover the joy of shopping at their local, independently-owned toy store this holiday season and beyond. Continue Reading

Roller Hockey Action – Contributed photo

Not getting those extra calories burned? Come to Island Rec’s Teen and Family Open Gym programs, starting Sunday, Nov 9, at Turnbull Gym and goes through March. Teen Open Gym goes from 7:00 – 9:00 pm and is for grades 7 & up – it’s FREE! Family Open Gym goes from 5:30 – 7:00 pm and is $5/family. Play equipment is provided and is the place to play a friendly game of basketball or other indoor game. All kids must be accompanied by an adult.

Don’t forget Badminton and Ping-Pong are from 7:00 – 9:00 pm every Monday and Wednesday and basketball is from 7:00 – 9:00 pm every Tuesday and Thursday at Turnbull Gym. Indoor Soccer is located at the fair building and starts Thursday, November 6, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. There is a $2 drop-in fee for these programs and are for ages 16+.

All programs have ½ price scholarship availability.

Go to www.islandrec.org or call Island Rec at 378-4953 for more information.

It is almost time for the 5th Annual “Black & White Night” dinner event! The event will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, at Friday Harbor House on San Juan Island. The unique event will feature Chef Aaron Rock, the chef behind The Bluff Restaurant of Friday Harbor House.

This progressive dinner begins at 5:30 pm with a reception in The Bluff Restaurant followed by dinner served in the San Juan Room. The evening will conclude with a Dessert Celebration in The Whale Museum’s Gallery. The gourmet menu features: hors d’oeuvres (Melted Leek Ariancini with potato sauce, Mushroom Ragout Crostini, and Ricotta Lemon & Roasted Fennel on rice crackers); dinner starts with a Roasted Garlic & Kabocha Squash Bisque and Arugula Salad. Entrée choices include: Spice Rubbed Flank Steak with smoked mashed potatoes, baby carrots & tarragon butter; Soy Braised Chicken Thighs with quinoa fried rice & roasted Brussels sprouts; or Wild Mushroom Quince Risotto with tomato chili sauce & carrot chips.

Dinner includes wine from Northwest Totem Cellars. Dessert will include offerings of Blackberry Crisp with lemon curd sauce and Chocolate Cake with raspberry port sauce. Sponsors of the event include: Friday Harbor House, Islanders Insurance and Northwest Totem Cellars. This year-end celebration is a fundraiser for the Museum’s education and research programs.

The cost is $80 per person or $150 per couple which includes the reception with cash bar, sit down dinner with wine, and a dessert celebration. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made in The Whale Museum’s store, online at www.whalemuseum.org, or by calling (360) 378-4710 ext. 30.

Local Harvest Menu with participating local farms
Wednesday, November 5th from 5:30 – 7:30 in the High School Commons

• Oven-Roasted Garlic Chicken – Sustainably-grown Draper Valley Farms chicken thighs roasted and braised in a garlic pan sauce (vegetarian option available)
• Local Root Vegetables – Island grown beets, carrots, onions, potatoes and parsnips
• Local Squash Soup – Puree of local squash, carrots and sweet onions
• Autumn Salad – Local hearty greens and apples, Quail Croft goat cheese, pecans and dried cherries with a roasted shallot vinaigrette
• Rustic Bread Rolls – Light wheat rolls brushed with herbed olive oil
• Snickerdoodle – Pumpkin Pie Bar with white chocolate drizzle

Suggested Donation of $12 for adults, and $6 for kids under 12

Here’s an update from FHHS Athletic Director Rod Turnbull:

Our fall teams are approaching the playoff portion of their seasons and after Friday’s and Saturday’s games we have better picture of each team’s playoff opportunities. Below is information on the playoff opportunities for each sport. While the avenue and the structure of each post-season opportunity varies depending upon the sport, each team will be playing for the right to advance on to the state level of the playoffs.

• Boys Tennis – Although few in numbers, our boys tennis team still participated in the 1A/2B/1B District tennis tournament at Amy Yee tennis center on Friday, October 24, 2014. We sent 1 singles player and 1 doubles team. Unfortunately each lost in a first round loser out game.
• Girls Volleyball – 5 2B teams will play on Thursday, October 30th in our District tournament being held at Mount Vernon Christian High School. Friday Harbor could enter as the # 2 or the #3 seed. They will play Darrington in a first round game at 1:30 pm. Three teams from this double elimination tournament will move on to the Bi-District Tournament which begins on Saturday, November 1, at sites to be determined.
• Girls Soccer – Our Girls soccer team are the 2014 NW 2B/1B League Champions and will enter the Bi-District tournament as the NW#1 seed. They will host a first round loser out playoff game on Wednesday, November 5, against the District 2 #2 seed. This game will be played at Mount Vernon High School and is scheduled for a 2:00pm start. With a win, the girls would secure an entry into the State tournament, and would play again on Saturday, November 8 to determine seeding into the state tournament.
• Football – Our Football team’s playoff picture is still being determined. With a win vs La Conner on Friday, October 31, the team would secure the District 1 #2 seed into the state playoffs which begin November 14/15 at a site to be determined. Win or lose at La Conner, the team still has one non-league home game vs Bellingham on November 6.
• Boys Soccer – Our Boys soccer team is currently in 3rd place in the NW 2B/1B soccer league, and will enter the Tri-District tournament as the District 1 #3 seed. They will play at the District 2 #2 site on Saturday, November 1. Win or lose the team will play again on November 5.

For more information, visit www.1a2bathetics.com and click on the appropriate tab to access the playoff information.

GO Wolverines…..

San Juan Island Real Estate Market Summary

Merri Ann Simonson

In reviewing the year-to-date volume for 2014, the real estate market volume on San Juan Island reflects an increase of 33% for the period of January through September as compared to the same period in 2013. As for the number of transactions, the gain over the 2013 January through September was 28%. This strong increase is a good sign of recovery in our market.

Per the NWMLS as of October 15th, San Juan Island has a total of 390 listings for all property types, which includes the 34 properties under contract or 8.7%. The current inventory level is very similar to the same period last year when we had 389 listings with 30 under contract or 7.7%. The slightly higher percentage of transactions in escrow is another good sign…

Click here to read the entire report (PDF).

San Juan Community Theatre will be casting adults in the next week for the upcoming play “Almost, Maine” written by John Cariani and directed by Carol Hooper

Welcome to the world of Almost, Maine where everyday people seek love in this far-north small town, with its short days and cold temperatures under the Northern Lights.

The play is made up of nine vignettes — funny, yet thought provoking stories — each with 2-3 characters.

It can be cast with as few as four and as many as 19 people. Couples are encouraged to audition together! For more information, contact Carol Hooper at 370-5605

Auditions will be held  for characters aged 30 – 65 on Sunday, November 2 at 7:00 pm and Tuesday, November 4 at 7:00 pm at PARC, 70 Saltspring Drive (off Beaverton Valley Road). Perusal scripts are available at the SJCT Box Office with a $10 deposit.

Performance dates are February 19th – 22nd and 26th – 28th, 2015.

The Creature – Catherine Ashmore photo

National Theatre Live’s thrilling broadcast of Frankenstein returns to Friday Harbor for a Halloween screening at San Juan Community Theatre on October 31 at 7:00 p.m.

The production was a sell-out hit at the National Theatre in 2011, and the broadcast has since become an international sensation, experienced by almost half a million people in theaters around the world.

Directed by Academy Award®-winner Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire), Frankenstein features Benedict Cumberbatch (12 Years A Slave, Star Trek: Into Darkness) and Jonny Lee Miller (Trainspotting, Mansfield Park) who alternated roles as Victor Frankenstein and his creation. In SJCT’s 2013 screening Miller played the creature; this time, Cumberbatch takes on the role and Miller is Frankenstein.

Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered Creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless Creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.

Urgent concerns of scientific responsibility, parental neglect, cognitive development and the nature of good and evil are embedded within this thrilling and deeply disturbing classic gothic tale. Continue Reading