Join Brad Cash and John Reynolds of 92.9 KISM Classic Rock for a live broadcast Friday, May 30th, 6:00 am – 10:00 am, at the Friday Harbor Airport. In addition, Brad will stick around for another special remote broadcast on Saturday, May 31st 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.

The Port of Friday Harbor, San Juan Airlines and KISM 92.9 have been promoting all there is to see and do in Friday Harbor throughout the month of May reaching listeners from Lower BC to Seattle, and of course the Islands. Now it is time to come together and celebrate at the airport.
There are chances to win:

4 Islander Getaway Pkgs – RT air for 2 & 2 night stay at the Silver Reef Casino

• 25% off Spa Services
• Free breakfast for 2
• Lunch and dinner for 2 for 2 days
• Gaming vouchers

Free shuttle service to and from the airport.
$50.00 off roundtrip Airfare to the first 20 people who come to the ticket counter at the Friday Harbor Airport. Good to any San Juan Airlines Destination.

KISM 92 Days of Summer – enter to win your choice of car – boat – truck or motorcycle.
Free Hempler Hotdogs, Franz buns and Pepsi products.

Get out and enjoy the fun! Join with the community in celebrating the Friday Harbor Airport and all that it brings to San Juan Island.

Program makes popular eBook and audiobook available to all patrons without waitlists or holds

San Juan Island Library announced that it will be taking part in the Big Library Read program. Library card holders will be able to borrow and read the mystery eBook, A Pedigree to Die For, Book 1 of the Melanie Travis Mystery Series by Laurien Berenson, starting June 3 and concluding the morning of June 18 (US EST) by visiting http://anytime.lib.overdrive.com.

Big Library Read is an international program that gives libraries and library patrons unlimited simultaneous access to a popular title during the program dates, creating a virtual, global book club. Interested patrons will be able borrow A Pedigree to Die For using a valid library card, and read on all major computers and devices, including iPhone®, iPad®, Nook®, Android™ phones and tablets, and Kindle® without worrying about wait lists or holds. Titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period, and best of all, there are no late fees!

“We’re seeing a big increase in the popularity of eBooks and eAudiobooks. People are also enjoying our workshops on how to download books on their iPad®, Kindle®, and other devices,” said Laurie Orton, Library director. Continue Reading

Join the San Juan Historical Museum for an informative evening with Gerry King, a long-time San Juan Island resident and a descendant of the early settler King Family.

Gerry will share his stories of growing up on San Juan Island and of the various jobs he held as a young man such as working on a threshing crew, working at the Friday Harbor Packing Company and on a floating cannery in Alaska at the age of 15. Gerry also served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years and fished in Alaska for 20 years. He will also lead an outdoor discussion interpreting the purpose and use of the various farm implements displayed on the museum grounds.

Suggest donation is $5 and museum members are admitted at no charge. Please contact the museum for further information at 378-3949 or
museum_admin [@] sjmuseum [.] org

San Juan Historical Museum Resource Center
Tuesday, June 3, 7:00 pm

Summer is just around the corner and that means that Challenger Sports is coming back with their two popular camps, British Soccer and Tetra Brazil Soccer. British Soccer will be July 7-11th this year, with fun for ages 3-16, providing mini soccer and half day camps for the older kids. Tetra Brazil is July 14-18th and provides half day camps for the more serious soccer player.

With these camps comes an excellent opportunity to put a little extra culture into your household for a week. Island Rec is looking for Families to host coaches in their house for the duration of camp. Learn about the coaches and their home in the UK or Brazil and get an $80 rebate off camp.

For more information on hosting a coach please contact Morgan Johnston,
Morgan [@] islandrec [.] org or 378-4953. For registration please visit our website at www.islandrec.org.

Merri Ann Simonson

Almost Everything You Want To Know About Septic Systems

As Real Estate Agents, we are constantly learning and then sharing our knowledge with our clients. We must even expand our knowledge into some related industries that are not comfortable to discuss with a client, such as septic systems and their functions. The real estate industry isn’t just cars and contracts; it includes other really interesting stuff as well.

SEPTIC DESIGN AND INSTALLATION
The process starts off with unimproved land. A property owner or buyer must find out where on their site they should install the system and what type of system will be required by State regulations. There are various types of system options to select from. The latest technology includes systems that are considered mini sewage processing plants. Those manufactures claim that the effluent is nearly potable by the time it is pumped to the drain field. I am not convinced too that level but my opinion is based on the “ick factor” not science.

The system selection process includes hiring a licensed on-site designer who will complete a site and soil analysis and submit a design to the County for their approval and permit. The permits have a validity period of four years and the cost is around $1,250. The two most commonly used designers are Jack Cory 360-378-4900 and Rick Petro 360-376-2762. A full list of approved designers is available via the link shown below. The design and permit process is typically done as part of the Feasibility Contingency in a purchase offer, which is processed prior to closing. Continue Reading

Ferry at dock in Friday Harbor – Tim Dustrude photo

Here’s some updated information on the WSF Reservation System from Jim Corenman, of the Ferries Advisory Committee…

WSF is on track to offer reservations for most of the San Juan Islands routes starting with the Winter 2015 schedule, starting December 28. The planning process started in late 2012 with the formation of a Reservations Partnership Group to work with ferries and develop a reservations program that might work for the San Juan Islands. The group consists of about 25 members including the FAC (Ferry Advisory Committee), representing all four ferry-served islands as well as various user groups and WSF management and project leaders and designers.

The goal is to make better use of available ferry resources, and to make traveling to and from the islands less frustrating and more predictable for everyone—locals and visitors alike. Currently the only way to be sure of getting onto a boat during the busiest periods is to show up at the terminal hours early. That gets tiresome, as does getting to the terminal at what you think is a reasonable time, and then having to wait three or four hours for the next boat. This is not a situation that makes a lot of folks happy. Imagine being able to reserve a spot, and even if you can’t get your first choice then at least you will have something to plan your day around. There is a reason that every other sizeable ferry system in the world provides reservations. But the San Juan Islands present some challenges. Continue Reading

Entrance to the Peace Path from the parking lot, begins with a stroll through a fenced orchard area – Click to enlarge – Tim Dustrude photo

The Grand Opening Ceremony of the Peace Path, PIMC’s new walking trail will be Saturday, June 7th at 1:00 pm outdoors at the Peace Island Medical Center.

Hosted by Peace Island Volunteers, this ribbon cutting event will celebrate the former InterIsland Medical Guild who funded the trail, and all the community volunteers who built it.

Included will also be a dedication to a newly installed Peace Pole, donated by a PIV member. The Pole pronounces desire for peace in 4 languages. Refreshments and a guided walk will follow.

Way of the Whale by Linda Peters

Here’s a book review with guest Update contributor Shannon Dean…

Way of the Whale is a new book by author Linda Peters and it is written from the point of view of an orca.

On the surface, it’s about an older “rogue” Orca in captivity who has only one night to share some wisdom with a newly captive younger Orca who is in an adjacent holding tank. In an effort to comfort and reassure him, the older orca shares stories and insights from his life.

At 136 pages, and with most chapters only 2 pages in length, it could  be read cover to cover in one sitting.

It is an easily digestible story with a lot of undertones of life lessons that can equally be adopted into our own lives. Within the first few chapters, most people will identify with the baby orca. The author’s writing enveloped me and I felt very peaceful, soothed, calm and nurtured. Although there are adult themes , most of the book is appropriate for all ages and could open up some insightful discussions.

Meet Puma – this week’s Pet of the Week – Contributed photo

This gorgeous girl, Puma, was brought to the shelter because her owner passed away. She’s a frisky 3-year old Torti , with personality plus! She gets along well with her shelter cat pals and is very friendly and personable with people. She’d make an excellent addition to just about any kind of family. Puma is up-to-date on vaccines, spayed and waiting to meet you!

Here’s a note from David Bentley over at St. David’s inviting you to the concert this Saturday…

WVC Chamber Singers – Contributed photo

The Wenatchee Valley College Chamber Singers will perform at Saint David’s Episcopal Church this Saturday, May 31, at 2 pm. Admission is by donation, and all proceeds will benefit the music program at Friday Harbor Elementary School.

The concert is going to be family friendly. The choir sings an eclectic mix of sacred and secular choral works as well as some mariachi, jazz, and even some groups like the Beatles and Coldplay.

There’s a lot going on this weekend, so folks can enjoy the Dodie Gann Dog Walk, the Artist Studio Tour, the Farmers Market, the Sunshine Alley Walking Tour, and the American Camp Historical Structures Tour. Then they can take a break at 2:00 with a lovely concert for an excellent cause.

David Bentley
Parish Administrator
Saint David’s Episcopal Church

Wendy Picinich – Contributed photo

Town Treasurer Wendy Picinich is retiring and the Town is having an Open House and Reception in her honor.

It’s on Friday, June 13th at the Town Hall, 60 Second Street, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

Everyone is invited.

Click for larger book cover

Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library are excited to present Lopez Islander Gretchen K.Wing and her first novel, The Flying Burgowski on Saturday, May 31, 2:00—4:00 pm at Griffin Bay Bookstore.

A former high school English and history teacher, Gretchen has written a passionate story of a young girl who needs empowerment and finds it, not in magic as she hopes, but in herself.

Jocelyn Burgowski’s flying dreams make for a great escape from a tangled family . . till the dreams turn real. When the power of flight visits Jocelyn on her fourteenth birthday, a whole new messy horizon of conflict opens. Can Jocelyn keep her secret while rescuing her troubled mother? Will she give up her powers to save her mom, or use them to heal the damage of her own mother’s secret?

This is a delightful book for both young adults and adults. Don’t miss the chance to chat with such an enthusiastic writer.

Lopez Island author Gretchen K. Wing

About the Author
A high school English and history teacher for twenty years, Gretchen K. Wing pushed her students to find their voices through writing, and to pay attention to the voices of others through reading. Today she writes a regular column for the San Juan Islands’ Islands’ Weekly. She is also a budding singer/songwriter, performing with the group Chicken Biscuit, and she blogs regularly at gretchenkwing.wordpress.com and takes a turn as a baker at Holly B’s Bakery on Lopez Island where she now lives. She holds a B.A. in English from Harvard University and a Master’s in History from the University of Washington. The Flying Burgowski is her first book.

Click to enlarge – Contributed photo

Island Rec is offering some exciting Skateboard Camps this summer.

• Coed Skateboard Camp runs from 10-12:00 on June 16-18
• Skate Like A Girl Camp runs from 1-3:00 on June 16-18.

These popular camps have an enthusiastic and talented group of instructors from around the world. Participants will learn skateboarding basics in a safe, fun and supportive environment. The price is $37 if registered before June 5th.

Check out all of Island Rec’s events at www.islandrec.org, stop by Island Rec at 580 Guard Street, or call us at 378-4953.

Ron cuts up some nice looking Rib Eye Steaks – Click to enlarge – Tim Dustrude photo

Ron Puetz opened Ron’s Island Meats for retail sales about 2 weeks ago, out there on Madden Lane where Jim Scribner’s shop was. In fact, Ron bought the business from Jim last August, but has only now opened the retail side of things. He started off right with a nice big order of 65 steaks for one of the local boating clubs.

So far, he offers New York Steaks, Rib Eye Steaks, Sausages, Franks and Burger Patties (with bacon ground in, mmmmm!) and either Smoked or Honey Cured Bacon. Oh, and Dog Bones – don’t forget the dog bones! Soon this list will expand to include Chicken, Pork and some other specialty smoked products.

He also does custom butchering so if you have something you need cut up, he can help you out. Over the last 5 – 6 years he has learned his trade from Jim Scribner who Ron says is a “great trainer – very particular about his cuts” rather than being focused on production and not necessarily on quality.

Ron moved to the island from the Seattle area in late 1999, after he came here several times for construction jobs – he had been doing custom sheet metal fabrication and metal roofing. He saw the meat business as a great opportunity to get out of construction. “I got tired of falling off roofs” he says, “even though it’s not really the fall that hurts, it’s the sudden stop at the bottom”.

Click to enlarge – Tim Dustrude photo

Here’s some bacon that’s just ready to come out of the smoker. You don’t get much closer to the source than this! You can see more information and what all he has available daily on his Facebook page, or if you’re not on Facebook, give him a call at (360) 472-1325 or email him at
islandmeats [@] iCloud [.] com

Kids have fun at the park – Click to enlarge – Contributed photo

Free Playtime in the Park, for preschoolers is being offered by Island Rec every Monday in June. Island Rec staff will be on site providing a variety of fun and engaging games, art projects and more for parents and kids to enjoy together.

This is a free activity for 3-6 year olds and their parents, located at the Family Park at SJI Fairgrounds, 10-11:00am every Monday in June. Themes include Plants-n-Bugs, Build and Create, Super Heros, Music, and Into the Wild. Come out and Play!

For more information on Playtime in the Park or any Island Rec’s event go to www.islandrec.org, stop by Island Rec at 580 Guard Street, or call us at 378-4953.

Click for larger poster

Its BBQ time! The last Community Dinner of the year is always the best!

We will serve in the High School Courtyard behind the Middle School and High School. Tables and chairs will be set up but feel free to grab a blanket and have a picnic on the lawn too.

It will be a busy night with Student’s Community Project Presentations in the classrooms, a Jazz Band Recital in the courtyard and the Art Walk-a-Bout in the hallways!

• Wednesday, June 4th 5:00-7:30
• Dinner will be served from 5:00- 7:30
• Presentations begin at 5:30

Suggested per plate donation of $12 for adults and $6 for kids under 12

The Menu:

• House-Smoked Baby Back Ribs
• BBQ Chicken
• Slow-Cooked Baked Beans
• Traditional Cole Slaw
• Caesar Salad
• Fresh Baked Garlic-Parmesan Rolls
• Watermelon Slices
• Lemonade
• Dessert is Strawberry Shortcake prepared by the Baking Class