Wolf Hollow is hosting an All Hallow’s Eve Charity Costume Ball at Brickworks in Friday Harbor on Friday, October 31st, 7:00 – 10:00 pm. Space is limited, tickets are $60 per person and include nibbles by Market Chef, wine by San Juan Vineyards and cocktails by San Juan Distillery.

There will be an auction, tricks and treats, and live music by Teddy Deane and The Julie Duke Band.

All proceeds benefit Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Tickets are available at www.wolfhollowwildlife.org.

Here’s Rob Simpson with a preview of next week’s Conscientious Projector Series…

“Citizen Koch,” the documentary that was banned by PBS one year ago will finally be screened on Monday, October​​ 20, 7:00 pm at the library.​​

PBS helped fund the documentary investigating the warping effects on our democracy after the Supreme Court’s “Citizens United” decision.

But, when the documentary revealed that so-called grassroots organizations were actually financed by ultra-conservative multi-billionaires such David & Charles Koch, PBS cancelled the broadcast.

Apparently, PBS’ statement thanking “contributions from viewers like you” carries some extra weight if your contributions are large enough.

Also to be screened, a banned TED Talk by Seattle billionaire Nick Hanauer.

Laurie Orton

This month, from October 19-25, is the ninth annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week, making it a great time to publicly thank our dedicated, enthusiastic Friends of the San Juan Island Library.

Our Friends are multi-taskers! They sort and sell thousands of books, CDs and DVDs every year. They make and sell jewelry. They hold fabulous basket raffles. Now they are holding their big 2014 fund-raiser on Friday, October 24th at 7:00 pm. It’s a brand new Fall Harvest Friendszy!

What do our Friends do with the money they raise? They support the After School Read Aloud program, a Bookmark Contest, craft programs, book clubs, and the Summer Reading Program. They support our film series, program presenters, musicians, artists and instructors; buy special purchases like a program projector, the public printer/copier, the Early Learning Computer Station, our drive-up book drop, special bookcases and other furniture. They support our strong and vital volunteer force, and our award-winning English tutoring program. And they fund the Library’s tri-annnual community newsletter, informing everyone of FREE Library services and programs for all Island residents.

I know that the San Juan Island Library is a source of pride for our community. Our Friends group is a source of pride as well. I ask everyone to please support the Friends of the San Juan Island Library by joining them today through membership, by volunteering for Friends’ fund-raising activities, and by entering the fall dessert competition at this month’s Fall Harvest Friendszy on October 24th. Enjoy the fruits of the season, and the fruits of supporting your Library.

Sincerely,
Laurie Orton
San Juan Island Library Director

Island Rec Volunteer Basketball Coaches

Island Rec is in need of volunteer coaches, for the 2014 Boys Basketball season. This league is recreational and focused on building skills and having fun.

The commitment is 8 weeks running October 27 – December 14th. Practices are 2 times per week and games are all played on Island in Turnbull Gym on Sundays beginning November 9th. The age groups are 3/4th graders, 5/6th graders, and 7/8th graders. There will be a coaches meeting October 21st or 22nd depending on the age group.

Please contact Morgan Johnston or Sally Thomsen if you are interested or would like more information.

But wait! there’s more…

Island Rec Future Hoopsters

It is time to register for Island Rec’s Future Hoopsters Basketball, open to boys and girls in 1st and 2nd grade. The focus of this program is fun basketball skills and drills to get your kid(s) ready for league play. This is a 50-minute program, 1st graders at 9am and 2nd graders at 10am. Saturdays beginning November 8th for 5 weeks (with a break for Thanksgiving).

Register by October 30th for $32; $5 more thereafter. For more information or registration visit our website at www.islandrec.org, stop by the Island Rec Office 580 Guard St. Monday – Friday 1-5pm, or call 378-4953.

Marlin Prowell from Bellingham calling with NPR host, Sandy Bradley and musician extraordinaire, Laurie Andres on concertina and guitar.

No partners needed. All dances taught. No experience necessary.
$10/person donation (students half price). For more information, call 378-3836.
Saturday, October 18th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the SJI Grange Hall.

This will be a very special dance as these folks are all big names and
old time experts. Thanks!

Best regards
Liz Francis

Blair Avenue on Monday morning, Oct. 13 – Tim Dustrude photo

Here’s a note about progress on the Blair Avenue project from Town Administrator Duncan Wilson…

On Friday, October 10th, project contractor Mike Carlson Enterprises finished the second and final lift of asphalt on the southern portion of Blair Avenue. The sidewalks in this area will be poured during the week of October 20th. In the interim, the sidewalk area should be open for access to all business along the south side of Blair. Work continues on other areas of the Project during the week of October 13, 2014.

Depending on cooperation from the weather, the paving in the intersection of Park and Blair should be completed by October 17th, as should the final lift of asphalt on the northern half of Blair. If the paving is completed as hoped, the south side of Blair is scheduled to be open for traffic by October 17.

The contractor and OPALCO are continuing with the installation of the street lighting this week and should begin the installation of street trees and grates. The Town of Friday Harbor will update information regarding the completion schedule on Wednesday, October 15th as more is known regarding any weather delays. The Town again thanks all businesses and citizens for their patience and cooperation as we near the end of the project.

Opens Thursday – Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike – Contributed photo

From Broadway to Friday Harbor! Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike—one of the newest plays to hit the San Juan Community Theatre stage— opens this Thursday, October 16 at 7:30 pm in the Whittier Theater at SJCT. Christopher Durang’s comedy won the Tony Award for best play in 2013.

The play centers around middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia who live in the family home in Pennsylvania. Named for characters in plays by Anton Chekhov, Vanya and Sonia have not had to grow up. Neither has a job, and money is provided by their sister Masha, a movie star who owns the house and pays the bills. Vanya (a frustrated writer) and Sonia (who is forever reminding everyone that she is adopted) spend their days bemoaning their rather Chekovian lot in life. Their world is turned upside down when Masha returns home bringing her young, ambitious lover, Spike.

Director Joy Van Camp notes that while Chekov does play a role, there is no need to have read his work to enjoy this play. Themes of struggling to keep up with the modern fast-changing world and sibling relationships are universal, and through Durang’s accessible dialogue, will keep us thinking and laughing. “I think entertainment should make people feel good—and this does,” said Joy.

CAST:

Vanya: John Davis
Sonia: Tori Zehner
Masha: Lisa Moretti
Spike: James Gull
Cassandra: Sierra Keys
Nina: Fiona Small

Note: Adult language and situations

The play continues this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2 pm and then returns next Thursday through Saturday, October 23-25 at 7:30 pm.
Buy your tickets now at www.sjctheatre.org or 378-3210.

Come and celebrate the Gourmet Archipelago all under one roof! San Juan Island Cheese and Island Grown present the bounty of island harvest at the 1st annual “Bite of the San Juan Islands” at Friday Harbor’s Brickworks Plaza on October 26

Join the talented chefs, farmers, winemakers, and brewers of the San Juan Islands at this unique tasting event “Bite of the San Juan Islands”

We are showcasing the amazing quality of island-grown, organic, GMO-free meats, seafood, produce, wine, cider, beer and spirits.

Chefs from all three main islands—Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Islands—will partner with island farmers and food producers to create delicious bites featuring local ingredients the tempting bites on the menu.

We hope you will join us for this fun and tasty celebration! A portion of the proceeds will benefit Island Grown in the San Juans.

• Date: Sunday, October 26, 2014
• Time: 1:00 to 4:00 pm
• Location: Brickworks, 150 Nichols Street, Friday Harbor

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

This gorgeous girl is “Zena” and she’s been here at the Friday Harbor Animal Shelter for several months, hoping someone will meet her and see what we see in her – a sweet, affectionate dog whose life got off to a rough start due to an irresponsible owner. Zena was neglected and over-crated for the first three years of her life and as a result she has had some abandonment issues. She’s been working with San Juan Island Dog Training, (Thank you Lisa and Allie!) and has improved so much!

She has learned basic commands and can walk nicely on a leash now. She loves other dogs as long as introductions are properly made. Most of all – Zena LOVES people and thinks she’s the perfect size to be a lap dog. Zena is a big girl – about 80 pounds and we’re told she is a Shepherd/Border Collie mix. She has apparently lived with cats in her previous home, but we feel she’s best suited to a home without cats. She is about four years old, spayed and up-to-date on vaccines. Zena promises to be your best friend and most loyal companion – she’s just waiting for someone to give her the chance to prove what a good dog she is.

Would you like to be a museum docent? Please join us at The Whale Museum for the Docent Training Program for our Exhibit Hall. The program will take place on Saturday, October 18th at noon at the Museum. We’ll meet each other, walk through the museum and talk about exhibits, talk about commonly asked questions, learn how to use the stair lift, hear from experienced docents and have fun! Light refreshments will be served.

Volunteer docents are needed to help visitors in our Exhibit Hall. By using artifacts, text panels, and hands-on specimens, docents are trained to assist visitors in identifying the characteristics of marine mammals, which marine mammals live in the area, and inspire conservation by sharing information about the impacts of human activity on whales, marine mammals, and the oceans of the world. For more information or to sign up, call (360) 378-4710 ext. 30.

The Whale Museum’s mission is to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. In addition to providing exhibits, the Museum also provides programs including: the Orca Adoption Program, Soundwatch Boater Education, Marine Naturalist Training, San Juan Islands Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and the Whale Hotline. The Whale Museum can be found on-line at www.whalemuseum.org.

 Here’s a note from Be Chic Boutique…

Greetings!

You are invited to celebrate our second anniversary celebration. Without YOU we would not be here!

Girls’ Night Out & Anniversary Sale

Come celebrate our 2nd Anniversary and a little girl time! Snack, sip and shop. Yummy treats are provided by the fabulous folks from Spring Street Deli.

We have so much new fun an fabulous Fall inventory and are excited to show it to you AND it will be on Sale for 20% off!!! (a few exclusions do apply) Time to spice up your wardrobe with a new scarf, pair of Toms, or a Fall jacket.

We will also be giving away a couple of fabulous gifts, so do not forget to get your ticket when you walk in the door! 🙂
Tuesday, October 14th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Be Chic Boutique, 125 Spring Street.

This popular island event has been going for nearly 20 years… started by one guy who went to Bavaria and came home with a trunk full of lederhosen. Bill Van Alen gathered a bunch of local musicians, taught them authentic Bavarian Oktoberfest tunes and started a festival that has been an island favorite ever since.

It’s zany. The Van Alen Blaskapelle Orchestra is full of the original members, plus new blood… Playing all the Oktoberfest favorites. There’s a chicken dance with Michelle Jacks sweltering in a chicken costume… 300 people at tables eating bratwurst and drinking beer… AND this year a couple from Seattle will play their Alp Horns – those long horns they play in the alps.

Please remind your friends. There is a lot going on this weekend and this charity event deserves as much attendance as we can muster.

Sponsored by Lions, Rotary, Soroptimists and the Chamber of Commerce.

You’re invited to the Barking Bird, Saturday October 11th to celebrate Jack’s 11th Birthday. Click the poster below to enlarge it for more info. And Happy Birthday from the Update Jack!

Foggy Parking Lot and Field – Louise Dustrude photo

Here’s another fog photo. This one, by Louise Dustrude, was shot from a parking lot! Marketplace Thursday morning, looking toward the vacant field next door. Thanks for sharing L- uh, Mom!

A number of people have sent letters to the Update email inbox in support of their favorite candidates in the upcoming election. You can see their letters at the link below. The page will be updated as more letters come in so you might want to check back frequently…

Read their letters here.

Butter Braids, Break & Bake Cookies and Puff Pastries

October 9th – October 23rd

Just in time for the holidays, the preschool is selling Butter Braids, Break & Bake Cookies and Puff Pastries.

These delicious treats keep well in your freezer until you are ready to bake them. There are many flavors to choose from.

$12 each

Contact your favorite preschooler or Alisa Schoultz (378-4102), or Anna Compton (370-5949) to place your order.

Thank you for supporting our preschool!