Billie J. Swalla to Lead Friday Harbor Labs as Director – Contributed photo

Professor Billie J. Swalla has agreed to serve for a five-year term as Director of the Friday Harbor Laboratories (FHL). Billie has served as Interim Director for the past year, and has been an active researcher and member of the FHL community since first coming to the Labs in 1999.

Billie brings 30 years of experience doing research and teaching at marine labs around the world, from tropical to temperate settings and is passionate about marine sciences. She has worked at Friday Harbor Laboratories for the past 15 years, teaching Comparative Invertebrate Embryology, Evolution & Development of Animals, and several undergraduate research apprenticeships. Her research is interdisciplinary, focusing on the genomics, evolution and development of marine invertebrates. She studies developmental gene networks and how they evolve in animals to elaborate different body plans.

“I am personally thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to work with Billie to support and enhance the infrastructure of the Labs while simultaneously creating and implementing a shared vision for FHL as a vibrant and impactful marine field station that is considered to be a crown jewel by both the UW and international research communities,” said Lisa J. Graumlich, Prentice and Virginia Bloedel Professor and Dean of the University of Washington College of the Environment.

Swalla was selected after a search process that included wide consultation wit the FHL community. Her directorship is effective immediately and subject to approval by the Board of Regents. She can be reached at
bjswalla [@] uw [.] edu or (206) 616-0764.

Trails Workers rerouting an island trail to make it easier to walk – Contributed photo

Here’s a note from Doug McCutchen at the Land Bank about some recent trail work done by the SJI Conservation Corps…

Hi Tim,

Had a great time working with the San Juan Island Conservation Corps last week at Limekiln. They helped with several little trail maintenance and minor reroutes to improve the accessibility and sustainability of trails. In this photo they are working on a section we dubbed the “Dustrude” reroute as John and Louise were advocates for rerouting this section to make it less slippery and steep.

Best,
Doug

More trails workers – Contributed photo

The Animal Shelter is accepting donations of gently used household items, clothing, books, toys, and working appliances in preparation for their Rummage Sale, to be held Saturday, August 23 at 994 Cattlepoint Road.

The shelter staff ask that you call beforehand to make arrangements for dropping off your donations at 378-2158.

The County Council is searching for San Juan County citizens to fill current and upcoming vacancies on various boards and commissions. Additional information about each committee is available on the County’s website at:http://sanjuanco.com/Council/AdvisoryCommittees.aspx

Persons interested in serving on a board or advisory committee should fill out an Advisory Committee Application or Contact the Council Office at: (360) 378-2898 Email:[email protected] 

The following is a list of current and upcoming vacancies: Continue Reading

Here’s a video to introduce you to what the Farmer’s Market is all about. This was mostly shot last summer, with some parts done earlier this year, and most of the post production done in the Spring and early Summer of this year. It was finally debuted Sunday evening at the Brickworks Mortgage Burning party. And now it’s up for all to see. Click the “full screen” box in the lower right corner and turn up your speakers…

Graduate students from the 2011 fish swimming course at FHL sort through the catch in the seine net at Jackson Beach, San Juan Island – Dominique Roche photo

Check out the latest “Tide Bites” from the UofW’s Friday Harbor Labs.

Nancy Maron is showing her Original Acrylic paintings of “Island Scenes” at Gallery 9

Gallery 9 is pleased to have San Juan Island artist, Nancy Maron, show her new original acrylic paintings from August 9th to September 12th, with the Opening this Saturday August 9th from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Gallery 9 at 60 First Street, Friday Harbor. WA.

“Rewind” is (L-R) Kate Schuman, Tom Doenges and Tami Doenges – Contributed photo

Rewind features popular local musicians Kate Schuman, Tami and Tom Doenges who will bring fun songs from the 60’s and 70’s, with an emphasis on strong vocal harmonies. Come out and unwind with Rewind for the final concert of the season, Wednesday, August 6th from 6:30 to 8:15pm, at the San Juan Island Historical Museum – 405 Price Street.

Island Rec’s “Bring Em’ Back” concert series is part of our 30th anniversary celebration. The bands were all ‘people’s choice’ winners from previous years.

Go to www.islandrec.org or call Island Rec at 378-4953 for more information. Bring a picnic dinner, blankets or lawn chairs. Pets and alcohol are not permitted. Sponsored by IPS, Islander’s Insurance and FANS, (Families and Neighbors support Island Rec).

Patos Island Shoreline – Tim Dustrude photo

Here’s a view of Turtleback Mountain on Orcas Island from the other side. This was shot from the western tip of Patos Island, right by the lighthouse looking south.

“Get on up!” – The Trashion Fashion Show – SJ Update file photo

The County Fair’s popular Trashion Fashion Show is alive and well; it will be held this year on the last night of the Fair, Saturday, August 16, at 6 pm, on the Main Stage. The show will feature a Seattle D.J. in gold lamé, as well as a rockin’ runway. A cast of characters have already signed up, but there is room for more… You!

Please check the Fair website (www.sjcfair.org/events/2014/trashion-fashion-show) for particulars: categories for judging, the very few rules, and the deadline for paperwork (AUGUST 11). The rehearsal is only a quickie (costumes not required); It’s just to be sure you know “the moves.”

Any questions that the Fair website doesn’t answer… contact Trashion Fashion queen Francie Hansen (but please don’t tweet, facebook or email her; call 378-2731, and she would love to chat you up). She guarantees that if you decide to participate in the show, you’ll have a great time!

Deep sea Whale fall 4.5 yr with mats of chemosynthetic bacteria – Craig Smith photo

Just got word from the Whale Museum that this event has been cancelled. They are going to reschedule and we will let you know as soon as they do.

The Whale Museum’s Lecture Series:
Food-rich oases at the seafloor: The ecology of whale falls
Presented by Craig Smith

The Whale Museum is pleased to welcome Craig Smith as part of the 2014 Summer Lecture Series. Craig will discuss “Food-rich oases at the seafloor: The ecology of whale falls” – cancelled.

Whale falls produce remarkable organic- and sulfide-rich habitat islands at the seafloor. The past decade has seen a dramatic increase in studies of modern and fossil whale remains, yielding exciting new insights into whale-fall ecosystems. Continue Reading

Mt. Rainier Nat’l Park Physical Scientist Rebecca Lofgren – Contributed photo

Physical Scientist from Mount Rainier National Park to Discuss how Climate Change Impacts Glaciers on August 7 at the San Juan Island Library

Learn how glaciers in the Pacific Northwest have changed over the last 100-150 years in a presentation by Mount Rainier National Park Physical Scientist Rebecca Lofgren at 7 p.m., Thursday, August 7 at the San Juan Island Library.

Lofgren will focus on how changes have been measured and documented on glaciers within Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park and Mount Rainier National Park, and discuss the impacts of those changes.

She has been working at Mount Rainier National Park for more than 12 years as part of the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program, and is specifically involved with the long-term monitoring of glaciers, climate, mountain lakes and air quality at Mount Rainier National Park. She also travels regularly to Olympic and North Cascades national parks. Continue Reading

Here’s a note from the organizers of the San Juan County Fair…

The County Fair is coming soon — August 13-16 — and now is the time to set your sites to get the most out of your experience. For many, that may be purchasing a season ticket and enjoying the fun everyday. For others, participation is the name of the game.

There are many ways to be involved and contribute to making this a great Fair. One of the most important is to volunteer to help out in one of the 27 Fair Exhibit Departments. This is the front line of volunteering and comes with multitudes of appreciation. This isn’t a solo act as every department needs help throughout the Fair. There are opportunities to work during exhibitor entry day, take a shift or more during the Fair or be there on exhibit pick-up day. Whatever you choose this is a great way to be an integral part of the Fair.

Give the Fair a call at 378-4310 and let them know you want to get involved or fill out an on-line application at http://www.sjcfair.org/p/get-involved!/226

New this year is a special opportunity for county residents to participate as vendors for a single day. Bring your art, craft or other unique items and set up a booth. The Fair provides the space, a canopy, a table and chair for anyone who wants to participate as a Vendor-for-a-Day. Contact the Fair office for details and an application. Call 378-4310 or email info [@] sjcfair [.] org Continue Reading

Here’s a note from Reve Shannon with the SJC Fair…

“So you want to be a rock and roll star,” may just be song lyrics to a 1967 Byrds song, but people all over the world dream about the possibility. And what better way to get a feel for it than to stand up and sing your heart out to your favorite song.

Karaoke has provided that opportunity for millions of amateur singers at clubs and private events for many years. It is usually with an interactive entertainment system, recorded music and lyrics displayed on a video screen. But if you really want to rock your world, the best karaoke is to get up on stage with a full-on live band and back up singers.

This year, San Juan Islanders can have a chance to experience the best karaoke when the Northwest’s premier live-band-karaoke group, Rock-Bot hits the stage on Friday night, Aug 15 at 7:00pm. Rock-Bot has hundreds of songs to choose from — rock, pop, country, funk, jazz and more. These are top notch musicians who will be there to make your experience the best it can be. Continue Reading

Cynthia of Cynthia’s, Of Course and RED Checkered Picnics announces the opening of the second Red Checkered Picnic location.

After the success of the Limekiln State Park Red Checkered Picnics – now in it’s third year – Cynthia has opened at San Juan County Park in the upper day use area. This Red Checkered Picnics offers ice cream, beverages, snacks, some assorted camp food, makings for smores and more. Go out to San Juan County park, grab a snack, ice cream and enjoy the beautiful view and sunset hour.

Two great locations to serve you as you enjoy San Juan Island parks! Cynthia and the parks thank you for your support!

Hours at Limekiln Point State Park – Seven days a week – 11:00 to 5:30 – 6:30 – Kiosk located behind the Interpretive Center

Hours at SJ County Park – Tuesday through Saturday – 3:30 to 7:30 – Kiosk located above in the day use area

There’s a lot going on at the Whale Museum this week. Check this out…

Food-rich oases at the seafloor: The ecology of whale falls – This event has been cancelled.
Whale falls produce remarkable organic- and sulfide-rich habitat islands at the seafloor. The past decade has seen a dramatic increase in studies of modern and fossil whale remains, yielding exciting new insights into whale-fall ecosystems. Click here for more info.

Easter Island: 15,000 Years of Discoveries  – Wednesday, August 6 at 7:00 pm
Candace Gossen, PhD, is an environmental archaeologist, architect, plant medicine teacher and just a girl that likes to dig in the dirt and climb trees. Recently returned from Easter Island, she has new and exciting information to share. Click here for more info.

“Coffee & Conversation” –  Thursday, August 7 from 9am – 10am. If you haven’t been to the Museum lately, this is a great time to come in. Hosted by executive director Jenny Atkinson, participants will be invited to enjoy light refreshments while getting to know the Museum better. Click here for more info.