Andy Holman, PLS – Contributed photo

San Juan Surveying is delighted to announce that Andy Holman passed the Washington State Professional Land Surveyor exam and has received his Washington State Professional Land Surveyor license. Andy began working for San Juan Surveying in 2007 and was fortunate to work as an apprentice to John Thalacker, PLS, who started San Juan Surveying in 1972. Washington State law requires PLS Exam applicants to have 8 years professional-level experience under the direct supervision of a licensed land surveyor. In addition to John Thalacker, Andy has worked at San Juan Surveying with Robert Wilson, PLS, Patrick Kirby, PLS, Jeff Iverson, PLS, and James McCormick, PLS.

Andy is a 3rd generation Land Surveyor. Andy’s father, Dave Holman, PLS, introduced Andy to the survey profession as a young boy. Andy has fond memories of tagging along in the field with his dad, and uncles, Dan Holman, PLS, and John Holman, PLS. To Andy, “Land Surveying is a perfect combination of analytical thinking both in the office and the field and the joy of working in nature”. Andy also has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Real Estate from Colorado State University.

To learn more about Andy and San Juan Surveying, LLC visit www.sanjuansurveying.com.

Some of last Summer’s paintings on display outside of IMA’s new home. Click for larger version – Update staff photo

The San Juan Islands Museum of Art (known as IMA) announced today that the organization has completed purchase of the building at 540 Spring Street that was the former home of the island’s Emergency Medical Service. Construction to convert the 5,000 square foot structure into a visual arts museum is scheduled to begin within a few days and to be completed by late June. The museum staff is planning for an opening exhibition to be open to the public over the July Fourth holiday next summer.

Charlie Bodenstab, the acting Executive Director of IMA pointed out that IMA has had full use of the building since entering into a lease-purchase agreement with the Hospital Board last May, this interim period has provided ample time to complete plans, contracts and permits for the project. IMA has concurrently undertaken the process of raising funds to support the costs of purchase and reconstruction.

IMA was formed ten years ago and has operated from a series of rented spaces in the downtown Friday Harbor corridor. The new facility will provide a permanent venue for offering exhibitions of the works of nationally renowned visual artists as well as a continuing series of displays of the works of up and coming local artists. In addition to hosting major exhibits of fine visual arts, IMA raises and distributes cash to support art in the Friday Harbor elementary and middle schools. IMA staff conducts a highly popular “Family Art Days” program in July and August each year.

IMA is a registered 501 C 3 nonprofit organization and depends on donations, fundraising and a cadre of experienced, capable and dedicated volunteers. For more information check out the website at www.sjima.org or call the museum office at 360-370-5050.

FHHS Leo Club officers, President Jacklyn Justiniano (left) and Treasurer Sam Stewart (right) present a check to SJPSF President Nancy Young. The Leos designated the gift to support the school art program – Contributed photo – click for larger version

Whenever the business community and the San Juan Public School Foundation partner together, it is a win-win situation for our schools. SJPSF raised $23,525 in donations through this year’s Business Partnership program. As always, 100% of these funds go directly to the schools to support essential curriculum improvements. The participating businesses are listed in the School Directory (aka the thin blue phonebook) and on posters in each school. Please join us in thanking our local businesses for their very generous support of our award-winning schools!

Island Rec is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a flash from the past! Saturday, Feb 1st, from 7:00 – 8:30pm at the Fair Building, “we’re hanging up the disco ball and pulling out the Pat Benatar.”

Come skate under the dance lights to an all-80s play list! Wear your best 80s attire and big 80s hairstyles for a chance to win a prize. “We’re gonna party like its 1984!”

$3 drop-in fee, $8 for the whole family. Bring your own skates. Helmets required for all skaters under age 18. Youth under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information call 378-4953 or email:
jason [@] islandrec [.] org

Here’s something from today’s Short Wave Newsletter from SJIHNP…

Eagle in nest – Click for larger version – Sue Ryan photo

Once again a resident bald eagle pair at American Camp are constructing new living quarters in the visitor center parking area. This will be the third nest built in the general vicinity of the center since 1995, according to park records. The nest is conveniently located near the employee parking area and within easy viewing from the visitor center porch.

A bird scope points to the location of the eagles’ nest [near the visitor center].

The initial nest was constructed in 1995 near the top of a Douglas Fir located just south of the entrance road about 50 feet from the American Camp parking area, according to Mike Vouri, park chief of interpretation (who arrived the same year).

The eagles have been spotted removing limbs from that nest and reseting them into the new one, according to visitor center staff.

One of the nesting pair perching in an adjoining tree – Click for larger version – Sue Ryan photo

The first young (two eaglets) were hatched and fledged from the entrance road nest in 1996, and save for 1997 and 1999, the nesting pair had young every year through 2007, totaling 15 eaglets. The banner year was 2003 when three eaglets fledged, one prematurely, Vouri said.

“Then-maintenance foreman Jerry McElyea and I were on the porch and saw one of the eaglets fall from the nest,” Vouri said. “They were close to fledging so it flew, awkwardly, into the stand of trees that divides the parking area from the parade ground.”

The adults were on it in a flash and soon guided the eaglet back to the nest without further incident, Vouri said. The bird eventually fledged, but long after the others.

“At the risk of sounding anthropomorphic, we thought he was gun shy,” Vouri said. Continue Reading

Mike Martin stands on “Hawk Rawk”, painted by Kyle Jangard, Eric Jangard, Stanley Patrick – Click for larger photo

Lots of support around here for the Seahawks 2nd Superbowl appearance coming up this weekend. Above is Mike Martin on “Hawk Rawk” out off of Beaverton Valley Road.

Below, it’s the Wilson clan showing their 12th man pride…

Look at all those #3 Wilson shirts. L-R: Samantha Finch, Shannon Wilson, Cady Wilson, Frank Finch, Bob Wilson, Chase Wilson, Janet Wilson, Molly Wilson Finch and Cameron Wilson – Leslie Brennan photo

Go Hawks!!!

The SJI Garden Club welcomes Kari as their featured speaker…

Bitters, shrubs, switchels, elixirs–old fashioned beverages and refreshers–brought to life again by island’s own Kari Koski. By using local herbs and plants she has revived the methods of producing these traditional beverages.

Kari reveals the secrets involved with photos, beverage sampling and delightful background folk tales and stories. Join in this sweet success story of “what’s old is new again” right here on San Juan Island.

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We welcome everyone who wishes to join us for tea, coffee and dessert at the meeting. Please RSVP to Marguerite Bennett 378-8524 no later than January 31, if you plan to attend the meeting. This is to ensure adequate seating and refreshments for all who choose to attend.
See you there! Happy Gardening!

Tuesday, February 4, 2014, at 1 pm at the Mullis Center
589 Nash Street, Friday Harbor

Sheila Harley, Public Information Officer of San Juan Island Fire Rescue sends over this report about the fire Saturday Night…

Click for larger image – Ron Garner photo

Just after 9:00 PM Saturday night, San Juan County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a report of a structure fire on Skottowe Lane

Twenty firefighters, two fire engines, two water tenders, an aid car, five EMTs , seven Logistics team members and a Sheriff’s Deputy, as well as OPALCO responded. San Juan EMS provided EMTs to offer medical support to both the firefighters and the resident, while the Logistics team provided coffee and cookies for the Firefighters. The fire was confined to less than half of the home. The fire was under control by 1:00 AM.

Initial indications are that the the fire started when heat from a fireplace ignited part of the building. The occupant and her rabbit were able to spend the night with a friend.

Thankfully, there were no injuries. An estimate of the dollar loss will be developed after the Fire Department can consult with the resident’s insurance company.

Travis and Darcy Ayers cutting a rug

Tickets are on sale for Island Rec’s 8th Annual Father Daughter Dance – a special occasion for girls of all ages to get dressed up and spend quality time with their dads, granddads, or other male role-models. Treat your darling daughters to a special night out with music, dancing, and delicious appetizers & desserts! Girls receive a free corsage-wristlet and a keepsake photo.

The fun happens Friday, February 7th, from 7-9pm at the Mullis Center. Tickets are $22 per couple in advance and can be purchased at Island Rec’s office or online at www.islandrec.org. Sponsored by Vinny’s Ristorante, Friday Harbor Marketplace, and Soroptomists of Friday Harbor.

For more information call 378-4953 or email:
jason [@] islandrec [.] org

Click for larger image

This photo illustrates 10 good reasons to become a mentor in our community. Research shows that students who meet with mentors regularly are more likely to make responsible decisions than their peers, are less likely to skip class or school and they are more likely to be productive and engaged citizens. Mentors say the experience “is more rewarding than they imagined”.

If you would like to share some of your skills and hobbies with a young person, here is a great opportunity! The San Juan Island Mentoring Program is recruiting through the Spring. Let us know if you have one hour a week for a child in need!

Islanders can visit our Facebook page (San Juan Island Mentoring), or call the Family Resource Center at 378-5246 for more information.

Meet Sandy – this week’s Pet of the Week

You may remember this handsome fellow, Sandy, from several months ago when we featured him as Pet of the Week. Sadly, Sandy is still waiting for his forever home and we thought we should share his story again in the hopes that someone may make room in their heart and home for this sweet boy. Sandy is about 7 years old, neutered and up to date on his vaccines. He was found as a thin and frightened stray over two years ago and brought to the shelter. Sandy loves human companionship but is also quite happy to be on his own. He tends to be at the bottom of the “pecking order” around other male cats, and fares better with female cats. Sandy would make an excellent companion and a great addition to your quiet household.

Click for larger image

Calling All Teens! Nothing beats a fast-paced, action-packed superhero movie with friends on a Friday night! Grab your pals and head to the Middle School Commons for a screening of “The Avengers (PG-13) on Friday, January 31st, from 6:30 to 9:00pm. $5 admission includes free popcorn! Other snacks & refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring blankets & cushions for the floor. Pajamas and superhero costumes are optional but encouraged! Open to all youth in grades 7-12. Thank you to Ace Hardware and the Middle School PTA for your support!

This is the first in a series of “Last Friday” teen events brought to you by Island Rec’s Teen Advisory Group (aka TAG Team). Look for more upcoming events on the last Friday of each month! To learn more, or to get involved in planning future events, please contact Jason Davis at 378-4953 or
jason [@] islandrec [.] org.

Rob Simpson has the details on this week’s Conscientious Projector showing…

The THRIVE UPDATE 2014 is one you won’t want to miss. There is so much good news to share.

It’s not a new version of the documentary. Rather, it will be clips and interviews showing what has happened since the 2011 film was released.

(Interesting that parts of the THRIVE film that people found most hard to believe in 2011, are now common knowledge.)

The main focus on Monday will be Foster’s talk at last October’s international BREAKTHROUGH ENERGY CONFERENCE in Colorado.

And the news from there is VERY encouraging.

For those who have yet to see THRIVE, please watch it this weekend. You’ll all the more appreciate what we see Monday.

You can watch it for free at www.thrivemovement.com or on YouTube.

Now….If you know anyone who thinks THRIVE is just a collection of conspiracy theories, it’s time to have a 2nd look. (I think that may be because the problems facing our world, when put in one place….often shock people the first time through.)

THRIVE is actually about SOLUTIONS… especially via the www.ThriveMovement.com website.

And the website grows stronger every day.

Come Monday… and if you can, bring the rest of the island along with you. You’ll be glad you did.

Student works on sculpture – click to enlarge – Contributed photo

San Juan Island Elementary and Middle school students will benefit from a recent grant to San Juan Islands Museum of Art (IMA) earmarked for support of the K-12 art program. A charitable foundation that supports educational projects provided $25,000 to extend, enrich, strengthen, and continue art education for public school students on San Juan Island.

When dramatic cuts in educational funding four years ago threatened to curtail or eliminate art education from elementary and middle school curricula, IMA spearheaded the effort to assure that island youth would continue to have access to quality visual arts enrichment experiences. “Support for public school arts education has always been a major focus of IMA,” affirmed Barb Ray, member of the IMA Board of Trustees.

In partnership with the San Juan Island School District and with additional support from the San Juan Island Community Foundation, the SJICF Women’s Fund, Washington State Arts Commission, local PTA organizations and others, IMA has enabled over 550 local students to engage in a variety of arts activities and learning opportunities under the guidance of qualified artist/teachers. Continue Reading

Here’s Hobbes with this week’s report…

Click to enlarge – Sabrina Taylor photo

Orcas are still being spotted in our area! J pod, along with Onyx L87 — who travels by J2 Granny’s side since his mother died — were down in the Puget Sound area for most of this week, then on the 19th the J’s met up with part of L pod known as the L12’s who came down from the north at Lime Kiln Point State Park. Jeanne Hyde recorded vocalizations of the residents with transients being heard in the distance, awesome stuff! Then the two groups went back down to the Sound.

On Wednesday they came back up past Whidbey Island and are now out around the Neah Bay area. And we still get the occasional report by Captain Jack and crew on the inter-island WA State Ferry of transient mammal-eating orcas, with the last sighting being in the Point Caution area of San Juan Channel. Another group of transients was spotted up in Cowichin Bay, BC. Other wildlife still being seen include sea lions, sea lion pups being nursed by their mothers, seals, harbor porpoise, Dall’s porpoise, elephant seals, eagles, and tons of seabirds. Cheers from Capt. Hobbes and the Pacific Whale Watch Association.

Capt. Hobbes Buchanan
San Juan Island Whale & Wildlife Tours & Water Taxi Services
Marine Mammal & Wildlife Monitoring

PO Box 1345, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
www.sanjuanislandwhales.com
360-298-0012

It has been a privilege to serve as your San Juan County Clerk for the past eight years. With your support, I will be seeking another term in the fall. In addition to assisting the Superior Court in addressing the needs of our community, meeting the challenges of new laws and harnessing the benefits of new technology, my office has improved citizens’ access to the court by providing user-friendly legal packets for many procedures, and making court documents readily accessible to the public. We are now in the process of digitizing and preserving our archives to ensure their availability for present and future generations. As we go forward to meet these challenges, I pledge to serve you with competence, efficiency and enthusiasm.