Posted May 16, 2014 at 5:28 am by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a note for you from Jeri Ahrenius…
Card of Thanks
With thanks to this amazing community. Your prayers and support throughout my heart surgeries have been overwhelming and truly a humbling experience. I know that your good wishes and prayers are woven into my renovated heart and will be with me always.
With sincere appreciation,
Jeri Ahrenius
Posted May 16, 2014 at 5:16 am by Tim Dustrude
Join Bill & Rita Ament and more than 50 local island performers, children through adults (ages 2 on up) for their 30th annual Dance Happy extravaganza.
Be totally touched by the magic and color of the cutest Little Ones on stage for the very first time. Be charmed by the L’il Starz dancers as they Steal The Show. Go wild with the Big Starz as they tap to the Muppets and shake it up with Mr. Downtown. Boogie woogie in your seat to Hound Dog and get down with Celebration from the Super Starz. Go gaga over the colorful costumes and quick steps of Monarca. Wow yourself with the exotic Belly Dancer and feel the heat from our Zumba dancers. Get up and clap for Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
Lots of tapping, jazzing, hip hopping, ballet dancing, singing and entertaining. Featuring surprise special guest artists and more as you enjoy this outrageous family dance and song revue.
The traditional Dance Happy show is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, giggle, aah, ooh la la, smile, wiggle, wow, clap, cheer and be totally inspired!
Bill & Rita Ament’s Dance Happy Show 2014
San Juan Community Theatre
Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 7:00 pm
Adults $16
Students $8
Rush $5
Posted May 15, 2014 at 5:53 am by Tim Dustrude
Annie (Elsedora Arendt) and Sandy (Bogey Maya) – Click to enlarge – Keith Busha photo
Four more inspiring performances of San Juan Community Theatre’s spring musical, including a “Bargain Night” on Thursday, are on tap this week.
There is plenty to appreciate in SJCT’s 25th anniversary edition of the beloved story based on the Little Orphan Annie comic strip. Not only are the onstage island talents (including those ever-cute young orphans) riveting; but when you see the sets and costumes come alive as well, that often-heard question around SJCT is bound to come up—“just how does a small island like this do a high quality production like this?”
The answer is in the volunteers and their commitment. Just look at the stats: 37 actors, three directors, a vocal coach and accompanist, three choreographers, five stage managers, two prompters, 10 costume artists, two prop masters, two technical assistants, three lighting artists, two sound technicians, two set designers, 11 set painters, six set builders, 10 kid “wranglers,” a dog trainer and two dog managers! And that doesn’t even count the number of orphan parents helping behind the scenes as well. They’ve been working hundreds of hours since February to bring this to our island stage.
Performances of Annie are at 7:30 pm this Thursday through Saturday, May 15-17 and at 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 18. Thursday’s performance features the Bargain Night prices of $16 for adults and $8 for student reserved.
Call 378-3210 or visit www.sjctheatre.org to buy on-line.
Posted May 15, 2014 at 5:42 am by Tim Dustrude
Registration for Summer AND Fall Quarter quarters is going on now at Skagit Valley College:
More info is available here (PDF)
Posted May 15, 2014 at 5:42 am by Tim Dustrude
Once again it is time for all Island Writers to uncreak their fingers and get ready to write for the San Juan County Fair.
This year’s theme is “Farm-tastic Fun!”
There is a new category this year , for the Millenials and Gen Xers who know about Rap, Texts and Tweets. It’s called New Language. Details about the requirements will be posted soon to the fair website.
Entry deadline is July 10th 2014.
Further information is available at:
Posted May 15, 2014 at 5:31 am by Tim Dustrude
Teddy Bear Time – Contributed photo
CATS’ annual Teddy Bear Picnic returns to San Juan Community Theatre on Saturday, May 17.
The free event from noon to 2:00 in the patio garden and Gubelman Theatre features face painting, crafts projects, refreshments and, of course, teddy bears!
This year, local playwright, Mike Herber will be providing the entertainment – a wonderful puppet show that is sure to be a big hit with both young and old guests.
The refreshments will include PB & J or grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit, juice and cookies in the shape of bears.
“CATS is pleased to provide such a special event for all the young children in our community,” said Picnic coordinator Susie Allen. “You might be surprised how much fun it is for the adults too.”
Each child also receives a complimentary small teddy bear from CATS and a book from the Early Learning Consortium and Critical Needs Task Force.
Posted May 15, 2014 at 5:09 am by Tim Dustrude
Don’t forget – it’s this coming Saturday…
Local Author Susan Wingate to Teach Workshop on Self-Publishing
The San Juan County Arts Council presents “Jump on Board the Starship ‘Publishing’,” a workshop taught by award-winning, Amazon best-selling author, Susan Wingate. The one day workshop will be held May 17 from 9:00 am – 3:45 pm in the Community Room at Skagit Valley College, Weber Way, San Juan Island. The cost of the workshop is $55.
Learn how to get published and stay published, learn the steps to get published by traditional presses, indie and small presses, and learn how to publish your own stories from cover art to eBbook on Amazon and Barnes & Noble platforms.
To register go to www.sjcartscouncil.org or email:
pigmansartworks [@] rock island [.] com or call 378-0951.
Posted May 14, 2014 at 3:00 pm by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a reminder from Sandy Strehlou…
It’s tonight – don’t miss this!
Westside Sunset – Contributed photo
Sunset, dessert and friends celebrating the start of summer, history and the Brann Cabin (San Juan County Park).
Last year’s Happy pie contest winner Shaun Hubbard with all the winnings. This could be you… – Contributed photo
This is a really sweet (on all accounts) event. And face it, you haven’t enjoyed a sunset from that spot on the island in a long time. The weather is fabulous, the sunset will be too. So come.
Come even if you didn’t make a dessert to share. Come if you want to show off your special sweet recipe.
Come if you haven’t had a marshmallow roasted on a bonfire in a while. Just come. 6:00 pm.
Cheers and Happy Baking!
Sandy Strehlou
Posted May 14, 2014 at 5:55 am by Tim Dustrude
Jennifer Horn and Jacquelyn Reiff are co-owners of The Studio – that new exercise place over on A Street. With strong backgrounds in physical education, pilates, TRX, and others, they are keeping very busy since their grand opening in January.
Jennifer has had a lifelong love of movement and her strong desire to help others experience the amazing benefits of Pilates inspires her every day.
Jacquelyn encourages people to develop an awareness of their bodies and to learn proper mechanics and alignment to live healthier, eliminate pain and improve posture and flexibility through innovative corrective exercise programs.
Both of them really know their stuff…
ThisIsOurTown.com is a glimpse of the people and businesses that shape the personality of Friday Harbor & San Juan Island. It is a project of Dustrude Photography.
Posted May 14, 2014 at 5:47 am by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a note from Jan Murphy and Wild at Heart Studios about a couple of workshops you may not want to miss…
Dear Update,
Mythical Icons
I love it when I get to announce something really, really cool! So, I’m very excited to announce something rare and wonderful… and really cool!
World renowned artists, Michael DeMeng and his lovely and talented bride, Andrea Matus DeMeng will be here on San Juan Island June 13-16 offering two amazing workshops…
Mythical Icons
June 13 & 14
Andrea Matus DeMeng
and
The Wand of Protection
June 15 & 16
Michael DeMeng
The Wand of Protection
Michael and Andrea pack workshops around the world and bring so much creative energy and imagination to their art – I know you won’t want to miss this opportunity. These workshops promise to inspire and delight while broadening your artistic horizons in a big way!
Visit www.wildatheartstudios.com for more information or to register for either workshop or BOTH! (Save money on both!)
As always, feel free to contact me if you need help with lodging arrangements or transportation – (360) 298-2195.
Hope to see you next month!
Creatively Yours,
Jan Murphy
Posted May 14, 2014 at 5:43 am by Tim Dustrude
Methodist Episcopal Church – Contributed photo
Learn the fascinating and complex history of the building that is currently the Grange Hall. Diana Mancel will begin with the foundation and construction of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Robin Jacobson will continue with its use by the Women’s Study Club; and Boyd Pratt will conclude with a history of San Juan Island Grange #966.
San Juan Island Grange #966 continues its 2014 Spring Lecture Series with a program on The Grange Hall: Methodist Episcopal Church, Women’s Study Club, San Juan Island Grange #966—part of “History Lives Here” Month – on Wednesday May 21, 2014 at (where else?) the Grange Hall. The program begins at 7:00 pm, preceded by a potluck at 6:00 pm – all are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The Grange Hall: Methodist Episcopal Church, Women’s Study Club, San Juan Island Grange #966
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
San Juan Island Grange Hall
Program begins at 7:00 pm, preceded by a 6:00 pm potluck!
Posted May 14, 2014 at 5:34 am by Tim Dustrude
Honor Guard – Contributed photo
Monday, May 26 is Memorial Day. Please join in the ceremony at Memorial Park. Wear your uniform and report to Post 163 by 9:45 am in order to form up for the short march to Memorial Park.
And please note: American Legion Auxiliary uniform has changed — Navy Blue Blazer, white blouse, red, white, blue scarf and WHITE slacks. If you do not have white slacks it is okay to wear blue though. Hats and scarves for marchers are available from Lisa Brown:
lisajoliebrown [@] gmail [.] com
For Legion Uniform: See Shannon Plummer at Post 163 or contact Tane Pyle at:
thepyles [@] centurytel [.] net
For Sons of Legion Uniform: Contact Rob Walters at:
chinookytime [@] gmail [.] com
Memorial for Roy Matsumoto:
There will be a potluck memorial for Roy Matsumoto at Brickworks from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Memorial Day as well.
Posted May 14, 2014 at 5:30 am by Tim Dustrude
Zimbabwean Music Concert & Dance featuring Musekiwa Chingodza and Katura Marimba
Musekiwa Chingodza – Contributed photo
Musekiwa Chingodza was born into a family of great mbira players in Mwangara village, Murewa, Zimbabwe, in 1970. He began playing mbira at the age of five and is self-taught. Through listening to other gwenyambira, or great mbira players, he developed a strong attachment to and love for mbira music. He says, “Our music is both medicine and food, as mbira has the power to heal and to provide for people. Mbira pleases both the living and the dead.” In 1991 Musekiwa was a key member of the band Panjea, founded by Chris Berry.
Musekiwa formerly taught mbira at Prince Edward School in Harare for many years, and continues to be in demand to play mbira at ceremonies in Zimbabwe. Since 1999, he has been a regular visitor to the U.S., sponsored biennially by Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center in Eugene, Oregon. Musekiwa is considered to be one of the greatest living mbira musicians. He is also an excellent singer, dancer and drummer and plays both mbira dzavadzimu and nyunga nyunga mbira.
Katura Marimba Band – Contributed photo
Katura Marimba is an established inter-island marimba ensemble, with eight players sharing the full family consort of marimba instruments, soprano to bass. Katura has been performing on the islands for the past 10 years with a repertoire that includes traditional Zimbabwean tunes as well as original compositions and arrangements. The lively marimba arrangements will get your toes tapping, and can inspire dancing. Katura incorporates singing and will be joined by Musekiwa in several pieces. Mutual friendship and shared musical passion makes this concert a favorite for the performers, and creates a very special evening for all present.
Saturday, May 31st, 2014, 7:30pm at Brickworks (150 Nichols Street, Friday Harbor)
All Ages Welcome! Admission: Adult $15, Youth $8, Family $25
Posted May 13, 2014 at 6:00 am by Tim Dustrude
“Lightning over Cattle Point Lighthouse” – Click to enlarge – Chris Teren photo
Just heard that local photographer Chris Teren is a finalist in Outdoor Photographer Magazine’s 2014 “The American Landscape” photo contest! Check out all the great photos!
Posted May 13, 2014 at 5:55 am by Tim Dustrude
Here’s Tony’s statement on his candidacy for County Treasurer…
Tony Fyrqvist – Contributed photo
Public Statement:
Since the Treasurers Office basically operates as the banker for San Juan County – collecting, disbursing, investing and managing public funds – many of my friends have approached me recommending that I run for the position San Juan County Treasurer. At first I was reluctant as I have never run for public office before, but after carefully thinking it over, I believe I could put the customer service skills and efficiency I have learned in the private industry to work to serve the public as the San Juan County Treasurer. My campaign will emphasize the spirit of the islands of having strong qualifications but being a little different from the mainstream…
Qualifications:
Posted May 13, 2014 at 5:45 am by Tim Dustrude
“Show Me the Wisdom” – Click to enlarge – Robert Dash photo
Here’s an interesting article on the National Geographic Website about the possibility and possible consequences of increased vessel traffic through the Salish Sea.
Robert Dash photo used with permission.