Posted August 27, 2014 at 5:57 am by Tim Dustrude
Rose with Raindrops – Tim Dustrude photo
I just heard from Dot at the garden club about a rescheduled meeting. Here she is with the news…
The SJI Garden Club meeting for September will be on September 9th instead of our regularly scheduled September 2nd meeting. It’s at 1:00 pm at the Mullis Center. We look forward to all who can join us for an exciting organizational meeting with many ideas for the new year of gardening adventures.
Posted August 27, 2014 at 5:46 am by Tim Dustrude
Josh Boland scored this cool Glass Rooster for his wife Micah at the Rummage Sale last Saturday – Jan Murphy photo
I heard that the rummage sale last week was so successful, the Animal Shelter is doing another one. Here’s Jan Murphy with the details…
The animal shelter rummage sale Saturday was a huge success – so much that the shelter has announced another rummage sale for September 13th at the same location – 994 Cattle Point Road.
There are some really great items remaining but if you’d like to contribute gently used items for the next sale, the staff and animals of the shelter will be grateful!
Please contact the shelter to make arrangements at 378-2158.
Posted August 27, 2014 at 5:43 am by Tim Dustrude
Romeo et Juliette – Contributed photo
Shakespeare’s tragic tale of young love completes The Met: Live in HD Summer Encores series at San Juan Community Theatre on Sunday, August 31 at 2:00 p.m.
Originally transmitted on December 15, 2007, Gounod’s ultra-sensual interpretation of Shakespeare, Roméo et Juliette, is an ideal vehicle for star soprano Anna Netrebko and the remarkable tenor Roberto Alagna, both of whom bring their incandescent appeal to the title roles. The irresistible Nathan Gunn is Mercutio and Plácido Domingo presides on the podium.
While the screening marks the end of summer opera at SJCT, tickets are now on sale for the new season of The Met: Live in HD, which opens on October 27 with Macbeth. A complete schedule of the 2014-2015 season is available at www.sjctheatre.org. SJCT’s HD programs were made possible through a generous bequest from the late Dodie Gann and underwriting from The McGee Foundation.
Tickets for Roméo et Juliette are $15 for adults and $10 for student reserved. They are available on-line at www.sjctheatre.org or at the SJCT Box Office: 378-3210.
Posted August 27, 2014 at 5:30 am by Peggy Sue McRae
Orcas Power & Light Cooperative survey results are in showing 91% of members are satisfied, more hope to gain through energy savings, and Internet services are a hot topic.
OPLCO is listening to its members. A web-based member satisfaction survey was recently offered to all 11,281 members in exchange for a $5 bill credit. Participation was great: 2,172 surveys were completed between May 3rd and June 20th, representing about 20% of the membership. The full results are available at opalco.com/news.
The results show that the large majority of our membership (91%) are satisfied (or very satisfied) with their electric co-op, and 81% trust OPALCO to run efficiently. The most frequently cited areas for improvement included how the co-op communicates, increasing member participation in energy savings programs and addressing Internet services in San Juan County. Continue Reading
Posted August 27, 2014 at 5:30 am by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a note from Jenny and Maude at the School District…
Hello – Here is our fall request to community members for service projects:
The 2014-2015 school year has arrived! The first semester FHHS Community Service-Learning Class will begin August 28th. This class utilizes committed adult mentors who will guide students through the completion of a service project related to community improvement – both locally and globally. This is a great opportunity for a “win-win” partnership between students and local organizations.
If you have a community improvement service project in mind, a fifteen minute in-class presentation time can be arranged on September 2nd, 3rd or 4th, from 1:00 to 1:50.
Please contact Jenny Wilson at: [email protected] for more information.
Thank you very much for your continuing support and interest in our students!
Jenny Wilson
FHHS Teacher
(360) 370-7117
And
Maude Cumming
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
San Juan Island School District
(360) 378-4133
Posted August 27, 2014 at 4:52 am by Tim Dustrude
I know, I know… it’s not even Labor Day and I’m posting about Oktoberfest already, but here’s why – It’s on a different weekend this year, and it’s different from what has already been publicized elsewhere, so this is a heads-up for those of you who make plans waaay in advance. Here’s more from the Chamber…
Oktoberfest 2014 Poster
Hello all,
Oktoberfest is coming! This year it will be the second Saturday in October: October 11th.
For the last 20 years, Oktoberfest has been the first Saturday in October, but because of a conflict with another event, we are changing the date. There has been lots of advertising over the summer listing the old date, so this change needs to be broadcast as far and wide as possible.
Thank you!
Posted August 26, 2014 at 7:41 pm by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a note of thanks from the Fair Board…
Thank You, county residents who participated and enjoyed the 2014 Fair. The Fair would not be what it is without all of your support!
A big round of applause to all the Superintendents and Volunteers who worked so hard in each of their departments. The Fair appreciates your community spirit.
We thank our Sponsors for their generous support:
On behalf of the San Juan County Fair Board and Staff, Thank You to everyone who supports this wonderful county wide community event!
Posted August 26, 2014 at 12:17 pm by Tim Dustrude
Mmmmmmm!!! Delicious homemade Blueberry Pie! – Photo courtesy of Janelle Bendycki Photography. Thanks Janelle!
Dust off your Granny’s recipe for Berry, or Nut Pie and enter the Pioneer Festival Pie Baking Contest.
Do you have a favorite pie? You know the pie that you make for potlucks and everyone asks for the recipe? Or the pie that you bake for your husband when you want him to clean out the garage… That’s that pie that just might win the Pioneer Pie Baking Contest. Bring your pie to the Pioneer Festival by 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 6. No charge to enter. A ribbon, prizes and big bragging rights for the winners – You may even get 15 minutes of fame with a photo in the papers. Continue Reading
Posted August 26, 2014 at 10:40 am by Tim Dustrude
Laura Viers will perform this Saturday at SJCT – Contributed photo
When Portland’s Laura Veirs brings her eclectic range of music to San Juan Community Theatre on August 30 at 7:30 p.m., she’ll have some extra friendly faces in the audience.
Veirs mom and dad, Leslie and Val Veirs, have lived on San Juan Island for 15 years and have been involved in several organizations in the community including volunteering at the San Juan Sailing Foundation, the Nature Institute and the San Juan County Land Bank. This will be Laura’s first time performing in Friday Harbor.
“It’s exciting for us to have her here,” said mom Leslie. “To me, her songwriting especially stands out—it’s poetry put to music.”
Raised in Colorado, Veirs got her start in an all-girl punk band there and then moved more into indie-folk and songwriting; and has been featured several times on NPR. She toured on the East Coast earlier this summer with international indie-rock artist Neko Case and will tour solo in England this fall. Continue Reading
Posted August 26, 2014 at 5:45 am by Peggy Sue McRae
Patos Island Lighthouse – Contributed Photo
Join in for a full day trip on Saturday, September 13th, to Patos Island and the opportunity to tour the historic 1893 lighthouse. Docents from the Keepers of the Patos Light will be on hand to provide information where you will learn the history of the lighthouse along with the legends and lore of the island. There is also a 1½ mile loop trail around the island to explore. The lighthouse is ¾ of a mile walk (one way) from the beach landing site and is a mix of strenuous to moderate to easy with the last ¼ mile on sidewalk. Approximate time on the island will be 3 hours.
The tour will depart Shipyard Cove (rain or shine) on the Pintail Barge at 9:00 a.m., and will return at approximately 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person in advance and will be limited by boat capacity. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the San Juan Historical Museum at 378-3949, or online at www.sjmuseum.org
Proceeds for this trip will benefit the San Juan Historical Society’s, Museum of History & Industry.
Posted August 26, 2014 at 5:40 am by Tim Dustrude
The Round Towner
The “RoundTowner” black Honda has been operating as a pilot, non-profit transit vehicle for the past year. In July 2014, The San Juan Islands Shuttle System received its confirmation from the IRS of tax-deductible status as of the date of incorporation.
The corporation formed by Curt VanHyning, Joyce Sobel and Sandi Ugrin was established as a charity in 2013 to serve Friday Harbor seniors with affordable transportation. The San Juan Islands Shuttle System mission is to provide free or affordable transportation for senior citizens, people with disabilities and the rural general public in the San Juan Islands.
Gifts and donations are being accepted now for this purpose and service will increase as funds become available. Contact any of the above board members for additional information. Approximately $10,000 has been donated in the past year to finance the pilot project. The projected operating budget for the next 12 months is $85,000. Revenue may be used only to support the corporate mission.
Contact us at info [@] roundtowner [.] org to apply for free transportation service, if you have questions or to offer comments. Call (360) 298-6108 to arrange a pick-up providing as much advance notice as possible. Visitors and the general public will be accommodated at low rates also as space allows.
Posted August 26, 2014 at 5:40 am by Peggy Sue McRae
Spring Street 1917 – Contributed Photo
Recognize this street? This is Friday Harbor’s Spring Street in 1917. If you have an interest in the people, trends and events that have shaped our town over time, Friday Harbor’s Historic Preservation Review Board is looking for a candidate to fill an opening on the board. Says Historic Preservation Coordinator, Sandy Strehlou, “The Town of Friday Harbor is looking for an islander who appreciates Friday Harbor’s history and historic sites, values Friday Harbor’s unique sense of place—and who enjoys public service. Both Friday Harbor and San Juan Island residents are eligible. One volunteer position is available and will remain open until filled.”
If you have a background in Architectural History, Landscape Design, Building and Contracting, or are a member of the San Juan Island Historical Society you may be just the person this town is looking for. If interested please contact Sandy Strehlou at 378-2810 or sstrelou [@] fridayharbor [.] org.
Posted August 25, 2014 at 3:16 pm by Tim Dustrude
So you want to see the stars revolve around Polaris (the north star), but you can’t stay up that late, or you don’t have that kind of time on your hands? (it takes them a while). Well Chris Teren has got your back. He did the hard work for you – stayed up late aaand took the time to photograph them and speed them up so you can enjoy them from your easy chair in less than a minute.
Check this out – it’s pretty cool. And click his name above and look at his website – he’s got some awesome photos and videos.
Thanks Chris, you rock!
Posted August 25, 2014 at 3:03 pm by Tim Dustrude
Image credit – Spaghettata” by Dr.Conati
There will be a Spaghetti Dinner to support the Multiple Sclerosis Society, downstairs at the Legion on Thursday, August 28th, at 6:00 pm.
Cost: $10.00 per person
Place: American Legion Downstairs
Posted August 25, 2014 at 5:50 am by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a cool little story that helps remind us how great it is to be a part of this island community. You know Mike Scott right? He’s the Cable TV guy and also the Team Local guy who was featured in an Update story a few months ago. Well he was making a repair call the other day and… well I’ll let him tell you – here’s his post from the “FH Rant & Rave” group on Facebook:
Rave to people’s good nature!
Today I posted this on both trading groups. Within twenty minutes roughly 50 people replied or contacted me to donate a television. I picked one up and the woman was overjoyed! Just awesome! Here is what I posted:
“I do cable tv, and today I responded to a service call for a sweet little old lady. Her 30 year old 19″ tv finally gave up on her. She lives alone, and the tv is likely one of her most valued companions. I often receive old tube tv sets, from customers that upgrade, which I store at our office and hand out to customers just like this one who are on limited incomes. At the moment I have none. I’m looking for that old tube tv that you might have sitting collecting dust. Doesn’t need to be flat screen or big at all. 19″ would be perfect actually. No bigger than a small 27″ will fit on the cabinet she has. I Called Radio Shack but the options there are out of her price range, and realistically she wouldnt really care about an HD tv, simpler the better. She is a little slow getting around so if it has a remote that would be ideal for her. I will pick it up anywhere on SJI. Doesn’t have to be pretty just functional. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you much!”
Posted August 25, 2014 at 5:47 am by Tim Dustrude
LED Taxiway Lights currently installed at the airport – SJ Update photo
At Friday Harbor Airport, a major construction project begins on Monday August 26th. The Port’s contractor, Colvico Inc., will start the project with a series of night closures of the runway that will allow the work to proceed without interrupting airport operations. The airport closures are scheduled to begin Tuesday, September 2nd from 9:00 pm until 7:00 am, and will continue 4 nights each week for approximately one month. No regular landings or take-offs will be allowed during this time. However, the air ambulance will continue to operate at night throughout the construction period.
The construction project includes replacement of the runway edge lights and other navigation aids with LED lighting technology. The new fixtures have only recently been certified for use by the FAA. The Port is taking this opportunity to also replace exterior hangar lighting and parking lot lighting with the same low-energy technology as a cost savings and energy conservation measure. The taxiway lights were replaced with LED fixtures in 2012.
A second phase of construction will begin later in September with work on the grading and drainage systems at the south end of the runway. Paint markings on the runway, taxiway and tie down areas will complete this year’s projects.
The total cost of construction is $1,609,850, with the FAA providing $1,461,660 in Airport Improvement Funds, and the Washington State Department of Transportation providing $74,067.
For questions please contact Stuart Hansen at 317-8674 or 378-4724 or Marilyn O’Connor at 378-2688.