Island Rec Wants Your Photos – To celebrate 30 years of People, Parks, Programs, and Trails Island Rec will be displaying photos from previous programs, activities, and trails at their September 6 Anniversary Party during Movies in the Park. Bring us your best Island Rec photos from the last 30 years for all to enjoy and see! There will be a contest as well, for a variety of categories including best faces, activities, historical photo, and ages. Bring mounted photo to the Island Rec office by August 29.

For details go to www.islandrec.org or call Island Rec at 378-4953.

Next Tuesday, August 12th, the Friday Harbor Film Festival presents “AWIM and the Hands of Time” for its Tuesday Night Films series at the Grange. This is a short film about the life and culture of the Awim people, who inhabit a remote area of Papua New Guinea in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.

In 2008, there was a scientific expedition (the Cruz Mayor Expedition) that traveled through Papua New Guinea, discovering and investigating the great archaeological and anthropological richness of the area.

One of the scientists’ goals was to explore the possible meaning of the “handprint art” that can be found in the caves of this area of the world. Using non-aggressive methods, they were able to bring back samples from 15 caves for analysis in Canadian laboratories. AWIM presents an intriguing view of this aspect of the expedition, which located more than 200 grottos with cave paintings of a variety of motifs and figures – including animals that have been extinct for thousands of years. This film is the account of their expedition.

Learn more at www.FHFF.org and view the trailer below:

Planned Power Outage:
Shaw, Canoe & Crane Islands
August 19th 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Power will be off for all of Shaw, Canoe and Crane Islands from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19th while OPALCO conducts maintenance and inspection work in the Shaw Substation. Updates will be posted online at www.opalco.com and on Twitter (@orcaspower).

OPALCO members are responsible for their own equipment. Members are encouraged to install surge protection to safeguard electronic, computer and other sensitive equipment and appliances.

To prepare for the outage, members may want to turn sensitive electronics and equipment off at the surge protector, or unplug them completely. When the power comes back on, turn electronics and appliances back on slowly, one at a time. For more information on surge protection, to learn how to prepare for an outage and what to do during an outage, go to www.opalco.com.

Sheila Harley of San Juan Island Fire & Rescue shares this note…

Again this year, the Wounded Warrior Project will visit Friday Harbor as part of Soldier Ride Seattle this Saturday, August 9th.

The cyclists will arrive in Friday Harbor on the 10:05 AM ferry and arrive at the Mullis Street Fire Station at 10:30 AM. From there, at about 11:15 AM, the riders will proceed around the island via Mullis Street to Spring Street and then on to Douglas Road. They will follow Douglas to Bailer Hill Road and then left onto False Bay Road. They will take False Bay to Cattle Point Road.

The riders will take a break at Fourth of July Beach beyond the American Camp Interpretive Center, then head back via Cattle Point Road to The Friday Harbor Suites on Spring Street. Representatives from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, San Juan Island EMS and San Juan Island Fire Rescue will accompany the riders to provide safety and traffic management.

People are invited to greet them along their way by cheering and waving American flags to say “Thank you” for their service and sacrifices made for our country.

Check out this video for more information on what this ride is all about:

Here’s a note from Ron Krebs who is running for Sheriff…

Ron Krebs – Contributed photo

My name is Ron Krebs. As your next Sheriff of San Juan County, there are a number of goals that I want to achieve. There are a number of issues that I believe directly affect the communities that we serve. My goals are as follows:

Improve communication –  Increase and improve the accessibility and responsiveness of the Sheriff’s Office with the community. We are public servants and we are here to serve you, the public first and foremost. Without your input and support we cannot properly do our jobs. Good communication is the key.

Drugs – The primary mission of the Sheriff’s Office of San Juan County is to provide a safe and secure environment for the residents and visitors through good department programs and community policing efforts. I will make drugs and the problems associated with them a high priority with the Sheriff’s Office. Drugs are a problem that affects us all in one way or another.

Community involvement and compliance – I will take a more collaborative approach to law enforcement with better communication with the members of the community. My approach will be based on community involvement and compliance rather than a “By the book punitive approach” to law enforcement. Punitive enforcement should be a last resort, not the first. Continue Reading

Here’s a note from Helen at Island Stage Left. They’re opening tonight at their Wold Road Location (see dates & times below)…

A scene from Island Stage Left’s production of Twelfth Night – John Sinclair photo

The cast and crew have just returned from a wonderfully successful tour of the other islands and a three week run at Roche Harbor. Here are some remarks from audience members who have contacted us:

• Highly recommended.
• It’s a really fun show with great performances.
• You guys really outdid yourselves on Twelfth Night!
• Over the top – great job.
• I’m still chuckling over numerous details.
• FANTASTIC show … everyone was ridiculously talented. S/o to Feste, Sir Andrew, Malvolio, Viola, & the director
• Thanks again for such a wonderful play; I had an amazing time.
• It was magnificent! As usual, your interpretation of Shakespeare gifts me with new insights, as well as so much pleasure.

At the 1062 Wold Road location, the show starts tonight, August 8th, and plays Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through August 24th at 8:15 pm.
Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Dress warmly and bring a blanket. More info is at www.islandstageleft.org.

Here’s some information about this year’s Fair sent over from Reve Shannon at the Fair office…

Just one of many highlights at this year’s fair, the Wenatchee Youth Circus, the “Biggest Little Circus in the World”, will be performing 4 times daily – Contributed photo

Farm-tastic Fun is the name of the game at the San Juan County Fair, Wednesday, August 13 through Saturday, August 16, 2014. This community celebration located within walking distance of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, Wash., is a sweet, down home county fair with an arts festival atmosphere. All the typical county fair exhibits, demonstrations and competitions share the limelight with a high-class blend of arts and entertainment.

The whole family will enjoy a robust line-up of fun events. Cute costumes, lots of laughs and a chicken dance to boot highlight the non-stop action for kid’s of all ages in the Let’s Pretend Farm Time Tour. Everyone gets to dress up in the Cutest Show on Earth’s presentation of their family fun participatory theater daily at the Kid’s area Food Court Stage. The Carter Family Marionettes brings more magic to the stage on Friday and Saturday with their unique take on The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

Everyday there are chicken and rabbit races with the finals in the main arena on Saturday and the fantastically popular Zucchini 500, where islanders can race their zucchini racers in the skate park raceway. Kids of all ages can join in on this “fierce” competition daily at 5:00 pm. There will also be plenty of games and activities for kids of all ages everyday at the Fair.

A must see is the annual Fairly Outrageous Trashion Fashion Show, Saturday at 6pm on the Main Stage. Join in the glamour and fun as local designers get to strut their recycled wearable fashions down the fashion runway. Continue Reading

The Whale Museum’s Lecture Series: Everything you ever wanted to know about Sea Otters (Enydra lutris) but were afraid to ask, presented by Shawn Larson – Shawn Larson photo

The Whale Museum is pleased to welcome Shawn Larson as part of the 2014 Summer Lecture Series. Shawn will discuss “Everything you ever wanted to know about Sea Otters (Enydra lutris) but were afraid to ask” on Monday August 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Whale Museum, 62 First Street North, Friday Harbor.

Shawn Larson, Curator of Conservation Research at the Seattle Aquarium, will give a general introduction of sea otters and their conservation story followed by an in-depth discussion of Washington sea otters and the conservation work she conducts on our otters both in the wild and at the Seattle Aquarium.

Shawn has a PhD from the school of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington and has been working at the Seattle Aquarium for 20 years. She conducts conservation research on sea otters, sixgill sharks, Giant Pacific Octopus, rockfish and Hawaii fish. When she’s not at work, she enjoys sharing her small farm in Hansville with her 2 horses, 9 chickens, 1 dog, 2 cats, 2 kids and 1 husband.

The August 11th lecture event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (360) 378-4710 ext. 30.  The Whale Museum can be found on-line at www.whalemuseum.org.

“Patterns” – a show featuring Paintings by Cathy Schoenberg & Tom Rierden and Ceramic Sculpture by Robin & John Gumaelius

As the title of this show suggests, the show Patterns portrays each artist working in a rich color palette with the frequent use of shapes and patterns.

Tom’s cast of characters conveyed in his paintings are people doing their work: i.e., farming, driving tractors or just standing around chatting. Tom uses bright colors, repetition of pattern & form to portray his cast of working folks.

Cathy Schoenberg’s paintings are rich in color and patterning exuding a soft confidence that suggests an interior landscape that invites exploration and enjoyment in the plan world she creates in the canvases of the imagination.

Robin & John Gumaelius’ recent ceramic pieces highlight fully developed 3 dimensional characters whose identities are a bit mysterious, with embellishments as moveable hands, intricately patterned heads and legs, complete with metal hats and small birds, metal stays and recycled pulleys and wheels.

​Reception for the artists: Saturday, August 9, 4:00 – 7:00 PM​, Artist in Attendance. The show runs from Aug. 9th through 30th at the gallery.

WaterWorks Gallery
315 Argyle Avenue
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
www.waterworksgallery.com

Cute, cuddly kittens – Contributed photo

At long last, kittens have arrived at the shelter.  Each of them adorable, cuddly and in need of a forever home.   Stop by the shelter to meet them and spend some time watching their crazy antics.  APSFH guarantees you’ll leave smiling!

First, here’s a note from Sandy with the Town’s Historic Preservation people…

We are looking for a new board member to fill a vacancy. Thank you!

If you are interested in preservation, local history, architecture, urban planning and all things related to authentic sense of place, the Town of Friday
Harbor has a vacancy on the Historic Preservation Review Board.

Sandy Strehlou
Town of Friday Harbor
Historic Preservation Review Board

For more information:
360.378.2810
sandy [@] fridayharbor [.] org

And here’s a note from Town Clerk Amy Taylor…

Volunteer sought for Planning Commission vacancy

Are you interested in becoming more involved with the community and helping guide the Town’s future development? The Town of Friday Harbor is looking for a volunteer to fill a vacancy on the Town Planning Commission.

The five-member Planning Commission meets regularly and acts as the fact finding agency of the Town with respect to growth and development. To that end, the Commission has the continuing duty to review the Town Comprehensive Plan and make recommendations to the Town Council concerning matters relating to land use. Vacancies are filled by the appointment of Mayor Carrie Lacher with the consent of the Town Council.

To be considered, you need to live within the town limits, and submit your letter of interest to the Mayor’s office at the Town of Friday Harbor, 60 Second Street, PO Box 219, Friday Harbor, WA.

For more information, contact Mike Bertrand in the Community Development Department, (360) 378-2810 or
mikeb [@] fridayharbor [.] org

The San Juan Island Library announces it will close during the San Juan County Fair for renovations. The Library will be closed August 13-16, Wednesday through Saturday. The Library will reopen for business Sunday August 17 at 1 pm and resume regular hours.

During the Library closure, book drops will be open and the meeting room will be available for scheduled meetings. Resources from the Library website will continue to be available, including ebooks, consumer and investment information, language learning, and research databases. WiFi will be available from the benches outside the entrance.

Inside the main library, staff will be working on chores they can’t get to when serving patrons, and the Library will not be answering the telephones. New carpeting will be installed to replace worn areas, and the checkout counter surface will be replaced. Staff and volunteers will be returning materials to the shelves.

Visit with Library staff at the fair booth to learn about library programs, play the rubber duck game, and win prizes.

Daniel Finn performing live on guitar – Contributed photo

Four San Juan Island musicians focus on one of America’s most influential musicians during San Juan Community Theatre’s Night Music summer concert series on Thursday, August 7.

Laura Lee Chorba – Contributed photo

Singers/guitarists Laura Lee Chorba and Daniel Finn and singer Susan Williams accompanied by guitarist Keith Busha share the sounds of the iconic Bob Dylan in the concert inside the intimate Gubelman Theatre. Williams says as she’s prepared for the show, she’s gained a new appreciation for Dylan’s work (he’s written more than 600 songs). “So much of his stuff is really beautiful—he’s an amazing poet.”

The live music starts at 7:30 p.m., with social time in the Gubelman and Steele Memorial Garden (complete with special chocolate desserts, wine and beer available for purchase) starting at 7:00 p.m. Attendance is limited to 65 guests; all tickets are $12 each per concert.

Susan Williams and Keith Busha – Contributed photo

The Business Partner for the series is Islanders Bank. The SJCT Box Office is open Tuesdays-Fridays, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and one hour before any performance. Call 360-378-3210, or surf to www.sjctheatre.org.

Dave Ryan waves goodbye from an office with one of the best views around – Tim Dustrude photo

David Ryan, Port of Friday Harbor Airport Manager is moving on and he would like to say farewell, and thank you for making his job here so enjoyable.

David began working at the airport in October of 2008, replacing the previous manager Pat Mayo. He brought years of experience with him, having been a manager for 2 years, and then a consultant for 2 years at Midway Airport (yes, the Island of Midway, out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean), and 10 years before that at Tulsa International Airport.

In the time that he has been here, the airport as done nearly $8 million in improvement projects through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant process, including an all new taxiway, LED lighting and signage, drainage improvements and updates to the master plan. And through staff projects using local money, we have a new Pilot Welcome Center which just opened last year, and the airport terminal has been remodeled as well.

Dave having a good time at last month’s Fly In – Tim Dustrude photo

The annual Fly In and Open House is a new event that David really helped to get off the ground. This popular event has grown each year, and this, its 5th year was the most-attended yet. Dave is very proud of the fact that the Fly In is a free event for the community (many similar events elsewhere charge admission).

His decision to leave was an extremely difficult one, but it’s a good career move and will provide new challenges. He’s not going far – he starts his new job at Arlington Municipal Airport in late August. “I’m really going to miss the view from the tower. And the wonderful community relationship,” he says. “I have worked with great people, made lots of friends, and I really love the local music scene” (he plays guitar in the band “On the Fly”). “This is a really cool town.”

Fairgoers enjoy the photo exhibit at the 2012 fair – Kevin Holmes photo

Year after year, the photography exhibit at the SJC Fair is one of the most popular exhibits – it is also typically one of the largest exhibits and it requires a lot of people-power to produce. Please help this island tradition by volunteering a couple hours of your time. The greatest need is for Tuesday of next week but there are some other gaps in the schedule as well. Here’s this year’s superintendent, Miles Crossen with a plea for help:

Hi Tim,

I’m hoping to find a few more folks out there who would like to volunteer a few hours on Tuesday helping accept entries for the Photography Department at the San Juan County Fair (between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.).

I could also use some help on Wednesday and Thursday night, and Friday and Saturday afternoon.

Contact me at [email protected] if you’re able to help out.

Miles

She Rides to Fly – SJ Historical Museum photo

…at the San Juan County Fair, of course! The first fair was held in 1906 on the Friday Harbor waterfront and drew about 1,200 visitors. Now attendance is around 20,000. But who is this rider from decades ago? Is she still coming to the fair to cheer on today’s 4-H riders?

If you can identify the girl in this undated photo, please let us know. This image is in the San Juan Historical Museum’s archives and needs a name.

Editor’s Note: Update readers come through and identify her – She is Jodi Luft on Orcas Island – See comments below