Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) will be doing high-voltage maintenance work on the Fidalgo Substation. Power will be off for all of San Juan County from 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 8th until 7:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9th. BPA expects to turn the power back over to OPALCO by 6:00 a.m. OPALCO will then bring our system back online circuit by circuit to avoid high demand charges. All OPALCO members should have their power restored by 7:00 a.m. Updates will be posted online at www.opalco.com and on Twitter (@orcaspower).

OPALCO will take advantage of this rare opportunity to do maintenance work on our own transmission system during this outage as well.

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. It’s a good idea to keep a flashlight handy overnight. In the morning, 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.

Showing at Waterworks Gallery May 10 thru June 1

Beginning with an artist’s reception on May 10 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, Waterworks Gallery presents Jennifer Williams – Mixed media collage paintings and Jeremy Newman & Allison Ciancibelli – Blown & formed glass.

Jennifer Williams, through a process of painting with acrylics and mixed media layers, creates impressionistic landscape painting. Re-using materials such as maps and text from a region, paper bags, cedar bark, and gold flake, Jennifer collages these materials into layers, alternating the process of building up the surface and breaking the surface down through sanding and scratching creating a lush base from which the compositions evolve.

Jeremy Newman & Allison Ciancibelli’s glass sculptures are opaque, and sublime not overtly showy but have a subtle depth of color mimics the natural world.These glass forms ​ re-create the illusion of rock like forms and other natural shapes. The forms are simple abstract compositions that allow the viewer to read their own interpretation into the piece ​ seeing fencelines, clouds and water movements.

Stop by and meet Jennifer Williams, chat about her work and what inspires her. ​WaterWorks Gallery is located at 315 Argyle Avenue, next door to Radio Shack and West Marine, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. www.waterworksgallery.com (360) 378-3060.

Diana Mancel – Contributed photo

San Juan Community Theatre’s newest staff member is also a familiar face around the Theatre.

Diana Mancel recently joined SJCT as Volunteer Coordinator, primarily focusing on recruiting, training and retaining volunteers. The 25-year-old nonprofit has more than 250 active volunteers who do almost everything that needs doing—from working in the box office to helping construct sets to acting in plays.

Mancel originally moved to Friday Harbor in 2008 and worked part-time at the Theatre as Front of House Manager. After relocating to the mainland in 2009, she returned three years later; since then, she has volunteered both at the Theatre and the San Juan Historical Museum and has worked for several local businesses, including Susie’s Mopeds, Coho Restaurant and Schooners North sailing charters.

This cool note popped into the mail box from Stillpoint School….

John and the Dino poster – Click to enlarge – Contributed photo

Six-year-old John, a Stillpoint School Kindergartner, has been named a Grand Prize Winner in a national contest! Scholastic Reading Club sponsored a winter Art and Writing Contest titled “Make Your Own Holiday.” The contest, which was open to students in schools across the United States, challenged students to create an original holiday which included descriptions of the new holiday’s customs, costumes, traditions, decorations, and foods. The nationwide contest included two age divisions: PreK-1st Grade and 2nd – 6th grade. John was named the winner of the PreK-1st Grade division! Winners were selected “based on the equally weighted criteria of originality, clarity of thought, and execution.”

As Grand Prize winner, John’s holiday will be brought to life at his school. John created Dinosaur Day, a day “full of dinosaur celebrations, dinosaur decorations, a very tall cake, and dinosaur activities.” Scholastic is working with celebrated local baker Felicity Milne of Felicitations as the “Official Dinosaur Day Baker!” Current plans also include a hands-on, artifacts-filled school visit from the renowned Burke Museum. Dinosaur Day is scheduled for May 21, 2014 at Stillpoint School. Congratulations, John!

Don’t forget – it’s this coming Saturday, May 10th…

Click to enlarge poster

This event offers a fabulous opportunity to meet scientists and students at the Labs and check out the world-renowned research and teaching facilities.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Labs will be open for self-guided tours. Scientists and students will showcase their marine science research, answer questions and provide demonstrations. There will be posters, marine plants and animals, microscopes, plankton sampling and observations, and activities for visitors of all ages.

Venture out to the end of the dock! Visitors can step aboard and tour our 58’ research vessel, the R/V Centennial, and check out its remotely operated vehicle (ROV), oceanographic tools, and high-tech sonar systems. FHL divers will be demonstrating SCUBA. In keeping with FHL tradition, there will be fresh popped popcorn for one and all. (Light refreshments will also be available at the historic Dining Hall)

Scientific Lectures will be scheduled throughout the afternoon.

Sturdy shoes are recommended because the tour route includes rough dock planks, gravel paths and trails.

620 University Road, Friday Harbor. Parking is limited so carpools are encouraged.

San Juan Community Theatre’s broadcasts of high definition live theater and opera features a London production of King Lear on Monday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m.

Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes (James Bond: Skyfall, American Beauty) returns to the National Theatre to direct Simon Russell Beale (Timon of Athens, Collaborators) in the title role of Shakespeare’s tragedy.

An aged king decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters, according to which of them is most eloquent in praising him. His favorite, Cordelia, says nothing and Lear’s world descends into chaos.

Tickets for King Lear are $20 for adults, $18 for SJCT members and $10 for student reserved. The SJCT box office (378-3210) is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are also available on-line at www.sjctheatre.org.

In addition to National Theatre Live presentations, San Juan Community Theatre also presents operas via The Met: Live in HD. The HD programs were made possible through a generous bequest from the late Dodie Gann. A complete schedule of the HD-live events is available at www.sjctheatre.org.

Here’s a note from Debbi Fincher of the SJI Prevention Coalition…

Hi Tim, I was wondering if you could share this resource with your readers? We have it linked on our website, too www.sjipc.org. We did hand out hard copies at the Children’s Festival, but for those that might have missed it, they can get this free summer calendar (PDF) too.

We have amazing summer programs listed for youth and families, and helping youth to stay engaged and connected during the summer months will help them bust the boredom which can lead to risky behaviors. It’s our hope this free summer calendar will help families plan out some great activities to keep everyone interested, engaged and having fun! Thanks again for your support! Debbi – SJIPC

There’s an extra ferry running today and tomorrow for the busy Mother’s Day weekend. Here’s a note from WSF…

On Thursday, May 8 and Friday, May 9, Washington State Ferries will provide additional service to help transport the additional customers expected for the busy Mother’s Day weekend.  Vehicle drivers and walk-on passengers can board an unscheduled 1:50 pm departure from Anacortes to Friday Harbor each day.  Drivers should be aware that traffic is expected to be heavier than normal and we ask they plan accordingly.

Response to Measles Outbreak Draws To a Successful Close

San Juan Health and Community Services officials are expressing their gratitude to its community partners and others who assisted during the measles outbreak in March and April.  Despite wide potential exposure to the disease from a total of six cases in the County, the spread of the disease was limited.

“We are especially grateful to the physicians and staff of San Juan Health Care Associates, Peace Island Hospital ER, Peace Island Clinic, and Peace Health Laboratories for their tremendous efforts in working with us and members of the community,” said Health & Community Services Director Mark Tompkins.

Tompkins and Health Officer, Dr. Frank James, also expressed their thanks to the management and staff of The Cask and Schooner, King’s Market, China Pearl, The Bean, and Bakery San Juan for their help and cooperation with measles case investigations and circulation of information.  “The businesses responded immediately and effectively to assist our department in controlling this outbreak,” James said.

Overall, the County’s public health professionals gave the community, its emergency responders and schools high marks for professionalism and their willingness to assist in getting out informational announcements, phone calls, and tracking. Continue Reading

Nancy Vejvoda – Contributed photo

Nancy Vejvoda has announced her candidacy for San Juan County Clerk. Nancy moved to San Juan Island in 1992 to work as an educator with the San Juan Island School District and was the Manager at a local hardware store for 8 years. She has worked as District Court Clerk for the past 3 years.

“It will be my goal to provide quality service to the taxpayers of San Juan County in the most efficient and cost effective manner. It is important to stay abreast of new technology and modern business practices, thus keeping in step with private industry, and to produce and maintain the highest quality permanent public records. I pledge to be an active member of the Washington Association of County Clerks to keep up to date with the practices of other counties in our state.”

Nancy is an active member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary, present board member of the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor, and former 4-H leader. Mary Jean Cahail, former 4-term County Clerk, endorses Nancy for this position.

Boating in Friday Harbor in the 1940’s – SJ Historical Museum photo

Here’s the Historical Museum with their monthly History Column…

Last Sunday’s Boat Parade for the opening of boating season got us thinking about the tradition of recreational boating in the islands. Here’s a rarely seen photo of Friday Harbor’s 1940s waterfront graced by a few, now vintage, pleasure boats at water’s edge.

Some islanders will remember when the two-story boarding house for cannery workers (seen at the far left) was removed to make way for modern ferry lanes. Most of the other buildings in this photo still stand watch over the harbor, however altered they may be.

Although Spring Street Landing is changing again with development plans moving forward, recreational boating links our past to the present and future. See more photos of yesteryear’s boating days at the San Juan Historical Museum. www.sjmuseum.org

Lenore Bayuk and Husband John Stamey with her award – Click for larger image – Contributed photo

Lenore Bayuk was honored at the April 30th, 2014 San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 (PHD) meeting for her outstanding leadership as the Board Chairperson from November, 2005 to March, 2014.

During her tenure there were many milestones. In 2005 the old Inter Island Medical Center (IIMC) began to slip into financial distress. A potential solution was to obtain designation as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH). For that purpose, Beth Williams-Gieger first made a presentation to our Community and the Public Hospital District board in May 2006.

Under the leadership of Charlie Anderson and Tom Cable, the “San Juan Community Hospital Committee” was incorporated in May of 2007 to investigate establishing a CAH here on San Juan Island. In November 2007 Krista Mattox reported PeaceHealth’s interest in that possibility. Five years to the month later, Peace Island Medical Center opened its doors and replaced our IIMC, whose financial woes no longer could be eased by any additional sacrifice by staff or administration. Continue Reading

Held this year at the Brickworks in Friday Harbor, the evening will begin Friday, May 9th at 5:30 p.m. with a happy hour & silent auction; the no-host bar will include wine from Northwest Totem Cellars, bitters from Kari’s Island Elixirs and beer from Island Hoppin’ Brewery, San Juan Roasters is brewing the coffee. Market Chef is preparing the dinner. The menu will be “Italian Down-Home Style” with roast pork, faro & kale salad, roasted vegetables, green salad, and rolls.

After dinner, the live portion of the evening gets started with the live auction followed by a dessert auction. That’s right, dessert after dinner is available in this delicious auction. Bid on delectable treats like “Chocolate Shot Cake,” “Fresh Fruit Pie,” the Danish National Dessert (Rød Grød med Fløde) and many more.

Special thanks to our wonderful event sponsors:
Islanders Insurance, Islanders Bank, Petro San Juan, San Juan Island Cheese, Northwest Totem Cellars, Coldwell Banker-San Juan Island, and Windermere.

The evening is a great deal at $30.00 per person (price includes dinner. Wine, beer and elixirs sold separately). RSVPs are strongly encouraged as seating is limited.

** For reservations, call (360) 378-4710 ext. 30 or use our new online reservation.

Back by popular demand are the auctions: Silent, Live AND Dessert. We are still busy collecting items for this exciting part of the evening. If you would like to contribute, please let us know. An Auction Item Donation Form can be downloaded here.

We thank you for your great support of The Whale Museum’s mission and programs which promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education & research.

The Board has selected Foster Hildreth as the next General Manager – Contributed photo

Incumbents Dauciunas And Hall Keep Seats In Opalco Election; Foster Hildreth Named Next General Manager

OPALCO members made a good showing for the election with a total of 2524 ballots received (2,475 absentee + 49 on the ferry) – representing 23% of the membership (11,198 members). The successful candidates were incumbents Vince Dauciunas and Glenna Hall for District 1. The member initiated bylaw amendments were both unsuccessful: Bylaw Amendment #1 lost 1,438 votes to 904; Bylaw Amendment #2 lost 1,554 votes to 776. There were 210 members present and a total of 317 people in attendance on the WSF Hyak.

The theme of the 77th annual meeting was “Building our Co-op Future Together.” Each member received an energy savings backpack with the annual report, two LED bulbs and a solar calculator. OPALCO members were treated to a healthy and delicious bag lunch by The Galley of Lopez Island. OPALCO staff wore special shirts to honor General Manager Randy J. Cornelius, who is retiring after more than twelve years of service to the Co-op. Members gave Cornelius a standing ovation for his service. Cornelius announced that Foster Hildreth will take over as General Manager in September.    Continue Reading

Photo from Sunday’s rehearsal of Annie! – Click for larger image – Jan Bollwinkel-Smith photo

Twenty-five years after being the first musical presented at San Juan Community Theatre, the much-believed Annie returns to the Whittier for 10 performances from May 9 to 24.

One of the larger productions in the history of the Theatre, the Tony award- winning musical features a cast of 37 (including one island dog, Bogey Maya); an orchestra of 15 musicians; and a crew numbering more than 50 that have helped build and paint sets, make costumes, provide props, and design and manage the play’s sound and lighting.

The Broadway play, which was based on the comic strip character, Little Orphan Annie, (played on our stage by 9-year-old ElseDora Arendt), unfolds in 1933 New York City during the Great Depression, where the young optimistic orphan lives in a dreary orphanage in the tenement section of the city. Other memorable characters include the despicable Miss Hannigan, sweet secretary Grace and millionaire Daddy Warbucks, as well as a ragged group of orphans. And then there’s the beloved music — including Tomorrow, You’re never Fully Dressed Without a Smile and It’s a Hard Knock Life. Continue Reading

Dave Smith is prepared to help out with his new mobile maintenance service – Click for larger image – Tim Dustrude photo

Dave Smith has a new mobile maintenance service which he operates out of the back of his vehicle.

Jump Starts, Battery Service, Washer Fluid, Oil Checks, Bulb Replacements – these are a few of the services he offers, all at your location.

You probably know Dave already as Street Supervisor for the Town of Friday Harbor, where he has worked for the last 25 years. Or maybe you know him from Ace Hardware where he works part time on weekends. Or perhaps you’ve seen him driving the water truck for San Juan Island Fire District #3.

Asked where he finds time for this new endeavor, he just shrugs and says “I think it’s needed. This is a small but vital service for our island and I’m happy to provide it. I’ll come to you and help get you out of a jam.” 

You can reach him at (360) 378-6910.