Artworks building restoration. Progress of the cafe area as of August 12th – Photo by Patsy Stephens, OSC President

Orcas Island suffered a tragic loss mid-2013 when the historic Strawberry Barreling Plant, popularly known as the Artworks Building, was severely damaged by a fire deemed to be at the hands of an arson. Owned by The Olga Strawberry Council (OSC), a non-profit 501(c)(3), the building housed the Artworks Co-Operative, the Hardman Gallery and Café Olga.

Restoration began in December, 2013 and is due to be completed in January, 2015. The Orcas Island Artworks Cooperative and Hardman Gallery will be returning to the historic building from temporary locations in Eastsound. Information on the fire and restoration progress may be found at www.olgastrawberrycouncil.org.

The area of the building previously occupied by Café Olga is being restored specifically to house a small cafe, and The Olga Strawberry Council is actively seeking an entrepreneur to rent the space and operate a café in the 832 square foot kitchen and dining room area of the building. Ideally, the atmosphere of the café would be a warm and welcoming area compatible with the art and community situations the building offers.

It is the desire of OSC to have a café in operation at the time of its grand re-opening in January. Interested parties should contact the president of OSC, Patsy Stephens, at 360-376-2599 for specs and additional information as soon as possible so design and equipment specifications may be accommodated during the building process.

Mike Vouri as General George Pickett – Contributed photo

Mike Vouri and folksinger Michael Cohen share their chronicle of the life of Civil War General George E. Pickett at San Juan Community Theatre on Thursday, August 21 at 7:30 p.m.

In The Life & Times of General George E. Pickett, Vouri, Chief of Interpretation at San Juan Island National Historical Park, takes his audience back to the late 1800s and introduces them to Pickett and the variety of events, both historic and tragic, that shaped the general’s life (including Pickett’s experience as commander of the U.S. forces on San Juan Island during the Pig War).

The Business Partner for the production is Roche Harbor Resort. Tickets are $15 for adults; $8 for student reserved, with $5 student RUSH at the door. The SJCT box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or buy on-line at www.sjctheatre.org.

Cutting the Rug, or Sod, or Dirt or something – Tim Dustrude photo

Another fun day at the Fair. Here are some more photos.

Gene Wilson left his cleats behind as the Island Towing team left the field for the last time – Tim Dustrude photo

After winning the adult co-ed softball championship 10 years in a row, the Island Towing team is calling it quits. Molly Finch says “We’re getting too old for this…” with a laugh. “…after 10 years, it’s time”.

Tuesday evening of this week, they won their final game with a score of 8 – 6. When it was all over, Pitcher and Team Captain Gene Wilson left his cleats on the pitchers mound as he walked off the field for the last time.

The 10 Year Champions – L to R, Back row: Annie Bryant, Gene Wilson-Captain, Rio Black (bat boy), Frank Finch, Kerri Goff, Liz Chalfant, Mike Goff-Captain, Tami Hayes, Justin Nibler and Bob Nelson. Front row: John Cornell, Gabe Herda, Molly Finch, Nicki Black and Amber Kleine – Tim Dustrude photo

Running through the Suds – Tim Dustrude photo

It felt a bit more like Summer at the fair on Thursday, compared to that rainy Wednesday.
Click here to see more images from Thursday…

2014 San Juan County Fair Matching Grant Program
50% match up to the project goal!

Now’s the time to donate to your favorite island projects and funds – The San Juan Island Community Foundation is matching your donations up to the goal of all these projects. Here’s more info about each of the projects below (PDF).

Stop by their booth in the main building at the fair to have your donation matched…

• SJICF Scholarship Fund – Goal $5,000
• Museum of History & Industry Expansion Project – Goal $5,000
• Islands Oil Spill Association Equipment Trailer – Goal $3,500
• Women’s Fund Membership Drive – Goal $2,500/25 New Members
• Animal Protection Society New Shelter – Goal $5,000
• Islands Museum of Art New Building – Goal $5,000
• Family Resource Center Youth Mentoring Program – Goal $5,000
• Band Families & Friends Musical Instrument Repair & Replacement – Goal $2,700

Sandy Strehlou sent over this note to let you know about a new attraction on the island…

Michael Jean and Sidney Smith are aficionados of the Victorian era. After spending years collecting Victorian antiques, they designed their home to be a light-filled, living museum for their vast collection. They are warm and inviting islanders who love talking about antiques, antique collecting, and how to design contemporary buildings that blend seamlessly with the past.

A quick and interesting get-away just a short walk from Roche Harbor Resort, this is a great activity for islanders and island visitors in any season.

Reservations are required (360) 378-9569. Click here for the brochure (PDF).

Katura Marimba Band – Contributed photo

Teddy Deane – Contributed photo

Debbie at the Friday Art Market at Brickworks sends over this music notice for today’s Friday Art Market…

In addition to our super artists, we welcome music from Katura Marimba, playing from 3:00 – 5:00 pm and from Teddy Deane, playing from 5:00 – 7:00 pm!

Tell your friends and family to come on down!  Brickworks Plaza, 3:00 – 7:00 pm in Friday Harbor.

Olympic National Park Scientist to Discuss how Climate Change Impacts Our Coasts on August 20 at the Library

Dr. Steven Fradkin – Contributed photo

Learn how the coasts and intertidal biological communities of the Pacific Northwest are impacted by climate change in a presentation by Olympic National Park Coastal Ecologist and Marine Resources Manager Dr. Steven Fradkin at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, August 20 at the San Juan Island Library.

Drawing on datasets gathered from long-term monitoring and other research in our region, Dr. Fradkin will discuss how climate change affects the coastal physical/chemical environment and its diverse biological communities. The rich assemblages of marine invertebrates, seaweeds and fish in the Pacific Northwest intertidal zone are particularly sensitive to the effects of climate change. The intertidal zone is a transitional world that alternates daily between an aquatic and a terrestrial environment, and climate change affects both environments. Continue Reading

On August 13, 2014 at approximately 8:45 am, OPALCO Substation Technician Bob Belcher (San Juan District) fell about six feet while working to restore power after a storm related outage on San Juan Island. He was transported by ambulance to PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center in Friday Harbor and then transferred to Harborview Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment. He is in stable condition, good spirits and is expected home later this week.

IMA Art Raffle booth – Contributed photo

This year, the San Juan Islands Museum of Art – aka IMA – has taken the reins of the Art Raffle booth at the County Fair. For the price of a raffle ticket (two for $5), this is a great opportunity to win a piece of art by our most renowned local artists, with the proceeds going toward art education.

Contributions include more than 40 pieces, donated by Jamie Ellsworth, Malinda Dryer, Mary Bacon, Tory Raggett, Susan Schirmer, David Price and many more. Drawing is Saturday at 4:00 pm, and you need not be present to win.

The 2014 SJC Fair started with a rainy downpour which soaked the fairgrounds – Tim Dustrude photo

As you probably know, the day started off with a downpour, and it soaked the fairgrounds pretty well, making puddles everywhere and flooding some outdoor booths. As a result there were not too many people there at first. But as mid afternoon arrived, the rain had stopped and things were beginning to dry up, people were arriving and before long there was a good turnout.

Before long, the rain stopped, things dried up and the fair got going as usual – Tim Dustrude photo

Click here for more images of Day One.

The Family Resource Center on Market Street, across from FH Marketplace – SJ Update photo

Here’s a note from the Family Resource Center…

August 12, 2014
Dear Editor,

United Way of San Juan County understands that summer is an especially important time to provide families and children with safe, structured activities. Their generous funding ensures that all island families, regardless of income, have access to education and enrichment programs that promote learning, friendship and family well-being. Here at the San Juan Island Family Resource Center, two of our most important programs would not exist without United Way support.

Our Birth – Four Family Support Program serves over 40 parents, babies, toddlers and preschoolers each week with structured playgroups that promote early learning and provide new parents with a chance to build a supportive social network. The Center’s Mentoring Program pairs caring adults in our community with local youth who can benefit from weekly one-on-one time with a mentor. Mentors and mentees get together to do things like bike ride, bake cookies, do an art project or just talk. These simple interactions have a hugely positive impact on kids feeling supported and connected to their community.

We urge Friday Harbor residents to join us in contributing to the 2014 United Way campaign. Gifts to United Way translate directly to better lives for our local children, youth and families.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Armstrong and Staff
San Juan Island Family Resource Center

The San Juan Island Garden Club is hosting an excursion to the WSU Display Gardens in Mount Vernon.

The gardens provide inspiration for all. Join us for a fun filled day.

We will also visit other nurseries and farm stands as time allows.

• Date: September 20th
• Depart on the 8:05 ferry
• Return on the 4:45 ferry
• Cost: $30.00 – Mainland Transportation
• Additional costs – return ferry ticket and lunch

A stop at the Market in Anacortes will be made to acquire lunch.

There will be more information, and reservations accepted in the ‘Flower Barn’ at the fair.
Or go to: www.sjigardenclub.weebly.com/excursions

Or contact:
Theresa Hill- thill355 [@] yahoo [.] com 378-2447
Vonnie Harold- yeharold [@] rockisland [.] com 378-6250

Islanders Bank teams are sponsoring the 5th annual Gear Up for Our Schools campaign for the 2014-15 school year. The campaign has been running since July 14th and it closes next Wednesday, August 20th.

New school supplies help create student excitement in learning. Please help support our students and their teachers by donating supplies.

Visit your branch for drop-off locations

All-Star Cast in The Met’s Summer Encores August 17 – Contributed photo

In one extraordinary production, lovers of Baroque opera have it all: the world’s best singers, glorious music of the Baroque masters and a story drawn from Shakespeare.

The Enchanted Island is featured in The Met: Live in HD Summer Encores series at San Juan Community Theatre on Sunday, August 17 at 2:00 pm.
Originally transmitted in January 2012, The Enchanted Island features lovers from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream who are shipwrecked on his other-worldly island from The Tempest. The work showcases arias and ensembles by Handel, Vivaldi, Rameau, and others, and a new libretto devised and written by Jeremy Sams.

Eminent conductor William Christie leads an all-star cast with David Daniels (Prospero) and Joyce DiDonato (Sycorax) as the formidable foes, Plácido Domingo as Neptune, Danielle de Niese as Ariel, and Luca Pisaroni as Caliban. Lisette Oropesa and Anthony Roth Costanzo play Miranda and Ferdinand.
The Summer Encores series closes on August 31 with Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette.

Tickets for The Enchanted Island are $15 for adults and $10 for student reserved. They are available online at www.sjctheatre.org or at the SJCT Box Office: 378-3210.