Posted January 20, 2014 at 5:27 am by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a note from CenturyLink about bill credits for the interruption in service from the broken optical cable last fall…
As a customer-focused company, CenturyLink has issued bill credits to impacted customers on the islands. Unfortunately, in order to ensure that each customer received the proper credits, it took a little longer to process the credits than we would have liked. Our customers will see the proper credits on their February bills.
Posted January 19, 2014 at 5:43 am by Tim Dustrude
We touched on this last week, but here is some more detailed information about this coming Wednesday’s performance at the Grange:
Louis XV – 1710 – 1774
Louis XV
The Elegant, Florid Melody of the Rococo in France featuring:
• Jeffery Cohan – baroque flute
• John Lenti – theorbo & baroque guitar
Experience the transformation through which musical taste evolved in France during the reign of Louis XV, who became king in 1715 at the age of five upon the death of his grandfather Louis XIV. France is our focal point, although we’re celebrating the 300th birthday of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach throughout the festival, with a flute concerto in February, a trio sonata in May and in this program one of his flute sonatas, written during the reign of Louis XIV, most likely for Frederick the Great in Potsdam.
Our program includes:
San Juan Island Grange, this Wednesday, January 22 at 7:00 PM • please share
152 – 1st Street in Friday Harbor · (360) 378-6632
The suggested donation (a free will offering) is $15 or $20, and youth 18 and under are free.
Additional performances of LOUIS XV in the San Juans:
Posted January 17, 2014 at 5:19 pm by Tim Dustrude
San Juan Island School District is excited to announce that an agreement has been reached with Friday Harbor Athletic Association’s newly formed Friday Harbor Fields Board to amend an existing lease for the development of the community fields located on Carter Street. At a special school board meeting on Friday, January 17th, 2014 the San Juan Island School District Board of Directors agreed to support an amendment that will make possible a donated “Challenge Grant” allowing the project to move forward.
View of the partially finished ball field area as of January 17, 2014 – San Juan Update photo
The parties understand and agree that this project is being undertaken for the good of the community, and that all parties must to work together to cooperatively complete the project in a timely manner and on budget.
Questions can be directed to:
Superintendent Rick Thompson
San Juan Island School District
PO Box 458
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
richardthompson [@] sjisd [.] wednet [.] edu
(360) 378-4133
View of the partially finished ball field area as of January 17, 2014 – San Juan Update photo
View of the partially finished ball field area as of January 17, 2014 – San Juan Update photo
Posted January 17, 2014 at 5:54 am by Tim Dustrude
Co-managers Debi and Todd at the Hard Drive Cafe
Under new management, the place formerly known as The Menu Bar inside The Computer Place at 327 Argyle… As of January 6th it is now The Hard Drive Cafe and has new Co-Managers: Debi Taylor, who you may know from Vinnie’s (yes, she still works at Vinnie’s) and Todd Nasman who you may know from Roche Harbor (and yes, he still works there too).
With some breakfast items and lunch with wraps, soups, pizza, sliders, desserts and coffee & espresso drinks, they are open Monday through Saturday 7am to 5pm (but also have a special deal for League Bowlers at Paradise Lanes on on the nights that they bowl). Debi says that in addition to the traditional pizzas, soups and wraps, they also offer both Vegetarian and Vegan options as well.
One of their big specialties is the new selection of pastries – Mini cheesecakes, muffins, cookies, scones… Mmmmmm!
Delivery is available in the downtown core. Give them a call at 378-1987.
And Todd says “Come and get your game day pizza this Sunday” (they’re not usually open on Sundays, but he’s making an exception for the game.)
Posted January 17, 2014 at 5:46 am by Tim Dustrude
You know Chef Hobbes from all the awesome recipes he shares with Update readers – well you may also know that he runs San Juan Island Whale & Wildlife Tours & Water Taxi Services. Today is the first of hopefully many weekly updates from Captain Hobbes on what’s going on with the marine wildlife around the islands. Here he is with the report…
This week’s very high tides put these guys way up by the marker at Green Point on Spieden Island – Hobbes Buchanan photo – click for larger image
The week started off with transient orcas spotted late in the day in San Juan Channel at Pt. Caution, and today, (Thursday), our Southern Resident orcas were heard on the Lime Kiln lighthouse hydrophones at 5:45 am. It could be an orca kind of weekend! There’s tons of other wildlife to see out on the water even if orcas are not present, like seals, sea lions, harbor porpoise, Dall’s porpoise, eagles, seabirds and the exotic wildlife on Spieden Island. Cheers from the PWWA – take a look at the Visitor’s Bureau website to see who’s operating tours this time of year by searching in the light blue “Kayaking/Whale Watching Availability” box on the home page, www.visitsanjuans.com.
Posted January 17, 2014 at 5:39 am by Tim Dustrude
The Friday Harbor Film Festival’s Tuesday movie series at the grange is showing not one, but TWO movies this coming Tuesday. Here’s the FHFF with more…
“The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom“ (55 minutes). Filmmaker Lucy Walker set out to make “a visual haiku about cherry blossoms” in Japan, but changed her plans radically following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit the country in March of 2011.
Taken with the cherry blossom’s beauty and ability to symbolize the ephemeral quality of life, Walker links the disaster with the power of Japan’s most beloved flower to heal and inspire. The film was nominated in 2012 for an Academy Award as Best Documentary Short Film.
“Honor & Sacrifice” (28 minutes) is a fascinating documentary about Roy Matsumoto, a resident of San Juan Island, who last spring celebrated his 100th birthday here. His story is that of a Japanese immigrant family ripped apart by World War II. The Matsumoto family included five sons, two who fought for the Americans and three who fought for the Japanese.
The story is told by Roy’s daughter Karen, as she discovers her father’s work in military intelligence, kept secret for 50 years.
Tuesday, January 21 at the Grange – 7:00 pm
Posted January 17, 2014 at 5:29 am by Tim Dustrude
Think “anything goes” — well, almost anything in this new creation that takes out the judging of past island playwrights festivals and offers new opportunities for writers of all ages. “We want more writers doing what they like to do,” said coordinator Julie Laidlaw.
Julie’s strategy paid off, with submissions of 14 short plays and monologues that will be presented each evening and afternoon: ranging from lighthearted comedy to serious dramas taking on current issues. The Island playwrights include one 12-year-old, a teenager, and several adults: Eva Elasigue, Patricia Hansen, Carolyn Haugen & Emily Reed, Miguel Andreas Herbert, Kevin Hillstrom, Stan Matthews, Lyne McPherson, Daniel Miller, Don Pollard, Chiara Power, Fiona Small, Steffi Wehner, Amy Wynn, Jim & Jan Zurcher
Friday, January 24 7:00 pm
Saturday, January 25 7:00 pm
Sunday, January 26 2:00 pm
In the Whittier Theatre
Festival Coordinator: Julie Laidlaw
All tickets $10
$5 Student RUSH at door
Buy your tickets now at www.sjctheatre.org
Or call the Box Office at 360-378-3210.
Business Partner: Friday Harbor Suites
Posted January 16, 2014 at 4:58 pm by Tim Dustrude
Do you recognize any kids and landmarks in this video? I heard that this was done with the help of local kids to raise money for the public school’s art program. Way to go kids! Good looking vid! The band Kris Orlowski is one of the bands mentioned in yesterday’s post about the upcoming concert in March at the Howard Homestead Barn.
Posted January 16, 2014 at 1:04 pm by Tim Dustrude
Note, this is not the Sunshine Alley Survey (in case you came to the Update looking for that). That survey can be found HERE.
But for today’s Small Town Survey, just for fun we’re tossing this out there for you to chime in on it. Was talking about this in a conversation last week and thought it would be interesting to see what everyone (that’s you) thinks.
Previous Small Town Survey questions and results can be found here.
Posted January 16, 2014 at 12:13 pm by Tim Dustrude
This just in from Maude over at the School District office…
The San Juan Island School District Board of Directors will hold a Special Meeting on Friday, January 17, 2014 at 3:00 pm in the District Office. The purpose of the meeting is to review the lease between the San Juan Island School District and Friday Harbor Athletic Association and consider an amendment to the lease intended to expedite construction at the Carter Street Fields complex. Action may be taken at the meeting.
Maude Cumming
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
San Juan Island School District
(360) 378-4133
Posted January 16, 2014 at 5:55 am by Tim Dustrude
Motopony – Forrest Mauvais, Micah Simler, Daniel Blue, Mike Notter, Andrew Butler – Contributed photo
It’s a concert here on San Juan featuring Seattle artists Motopony and Kris Orlowski. February 8th at 7pm
Held at the Historic Howard Homestead Barn off of Cattle Point Rd.
This Barn show is in celebration of Kris Orlowski’s Believer album, and the collaborative efforts of Motopony’s Daniel Blue’s co-direction of The Believer video. The historic Howard Homestead Barn is situated in the valley of south San Juan island. It is a true representation of old island gatherings. Complete with the largest bench-surrounded fire pit you’ve ever seen.
Beer and wine will be available for purchase in the barn’s bar area. The Earthbox Inn and Spa, is providing discounted lodging for out-of-town visitors. Shuttle service will be provided from the inn to the show.
Check out the sounds of Kris Orlowski at this link.
Here’s a bit about the bands:
Motopony – Throughout history, individuals have been playing with the delicate balance between polarities. Often, the combination of two opposites makes for a harmony previously unknown, a sum greater than its parts. Motopony is the embodiment of this notion a band built on a bedrock of contrasts and the gorgeous alchemy of seemingly conflicted sounds, and the feelings mapped over them. Guided by soulful machine Daniel Blue along with guitarist Mike Notter, drummer Forrest Mauvais, Andrew Butler on keys, and Micah Simler on bass, there is a warm efficiency to the hard-soul/glitch-folk contained in the band’s music.
From KrisOrlowski.com – Baritone vocalist, new folk songwriter Kris Orlowski writes from a real, unguarded place and that accessibility is tangible on stage and off. Sound on the Sound brands him as “a troubadour by definition, whose full bodied croon develops a charisma all its own.” With the significant talents of Mark Isakson on guitar, Torry Anderson on keys, Greg Garcia on drums and Tyler Carroll on bass, the northwest folk pop band is turning heads. Their new five song EP, featuring a 17-piece orchestra, keeps the band evolving in sound with songwriting at the core of their future.
Posted January 15, 2014 at 5:44 pm by Tim Dustrude
Downrigger’s after the fire last August – Kevin Holmes photo
The Port of Friday Harbor’s insurance company recently concluded their analysis of the Spring Street Landing Building. The Port Commission unanimously voted to approve the Notice to Proceed on the demolition of the building, as soon as possible. The Port’s contractor, MEM Enterprises, is tentatively scheduled to begin demolition on Tuesday, Jan. 21st.
This date is dependent on receiving all the required permits prior to demolition. The project may take up to 3 weeks to complete.
Posted January 15, 2014 at 5:40 pm by Tim Dustrude
Upgraded Traffic Signs Being Installed on San Juan Island
In mid-January, San Juan County Public Works will begin installing new Regulatory and Warning signs on San Juan Island’s county roads. Regulatory signs include Stop, Yield, and Speed Limit signs. Warning signs include Turn/Curve, Pedestrian Warning, School Bus Stop Ahead, and Chevron signs.
Why do we need new traffic signs?
These signs are being installed as part of a mandated federal program to improve safety by replacing traffic signs nationwide with more reflective signs. Increasing reflectivity is important because most accidents occur at night. The “Run-Off Road and Intersection Safety Project – Sign Replacement Program” is a federally funded grant program that will bring the County into compliance with sign standards. These standards increase awareness at the most accident prone sites and critical areas, create consistency in sign placement and usage, and increase sign visibility for older drivers and nighttime driving.
Why are there paint marks on the pavement and lath on the road shoulders?
Before installing new signs, all utilities must be located to make sure that none of them are hit when the sign posts are driven into the ground. This requires placing a lath where the sign is to be installed and spray painting white locate marks on the road shoulder. The various utilities use orange, red, blue and green paint to indicate where their facilities are located. That is why there are so many marks on the road.
When will all the signs be installed?
Installation is expected to last for approximately one month and is being carried out by County personnel. Please be considerate of the workers, don’t disturb the stakes or paint marks and drive safely and slowly through the work zone.
Posted January 15, 2014 at 11:13 am by Tim Dustrude
Here is some news from the Town of Friday Harbor’s Website. The Town would like your input on this. Please check out the survey when you have some time and try to complete it within the next week if you can. Lots of questions there, but your input is vital to the success of this project…
Sunshine Alley and surroundings – Click for larger image
The Town Council has selected a consulting team (Beckwith Consulting Group) to work with Town staff, Sunshine Alley stakeholders, and the public on the development of an urban design plan and program for Sunshine Alley including the backs of buildings and properties that front onto the alley space from the surrounding block.
The urban design planning process will include interviews with property and business owners of the block, focus group sessions with stakeholder interests and organizations, a public charrette, a series of public open houses on plan progress and proposals, a survey of Sunshine Alley customers, and an eventual survey of the public on final plan proposals and implementation particulars. The planning process will start in December and initiate charrettes and open houses beginning in January.
Depending on the outcome of the process, the ultimate plan could include proposals for
The program for the Alley could also include proposals for outdoor movies, street/alley performers, vendors, kids events, and additional celebrations and events. The program could also consider additional alley businesses including activities that compliment the Farmers’ and Art Markets as well as other existing uses in the block.
Click the following links for the current process, calendar, study area, and access to the Customer Survey which also includes a drawing for a $100 gift certificate from those who participate in the survey. Stay tuned to this page for future documents on the plan’s progress and proposals.
Planning process (PDF)
Study area (PDF version of the image above)
Posted January 15, 2014 at 6:00 am by Tim Dustrude
Friday Harbor High School Drama Group Presents:
Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland
Click for larger image – Photo by Jan Bollwinkel-Smith
A play in two acts by Anne Coulter Martens
Directed by Jane Maxwell Campbell
Alice! Alice! And Alice! When The Friday Harbor High School Drama Group brings this slightly more cartoon-like version of the adventures of Alice and the looking glass to the Whittier, there will be Alices—three different actresses taking on the title role.
Director Jane Maxwell Campbell says she chose to have three identically-costumed actresses of three different sizes “so the audiences can see her shrinking and growing.” She expects to have plenty of swirling special effects to illustrate those changes.
The Alices, along with a narrator role for the Cheshire Cat, are just a few of the 26 cast members featured, including, of course, the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit and Queen of Hearts—all played by 9-12 graders from both the island’s public and private schools.
“It’s truly a play about the wonderful world of imagination,” said Jane.
That imaginative side of the story will encourage creativity in the actors, Jane adds, and should appeal to a younger audience. In fact, Jane has asked for island elementary school students to bring their creativity to the production by helping to paint scenery.
In addition, the production also celebrates the 20-year anniversary of when former FHHS Drama Director Fred Yockers presented Alice in Wonderland on the Whittier stage.
CAST:
Alice 1 – Madrona Jameson
Alice 2 – Courtney Bell
Alice 3 – Summer Fox
Cheshire Cat – Skyler Moeder
White Rabbit – Kendall Calvert
Caterpillar – Tyla-Lynn McKay
Footman – Danielle Reitan
Cook/Executioner – Helen Phelps
Duchess – Essine Kilpatrick-Boe
Humpty Dumpty – Beatrice Grauman-Boss
Four Flower Girls – Meagan Anderson, Roxanne Bormann, Jillian Urbach, Cady Wilson
Mad Hatter – Halla Warner
March Hare – Katana Mathews
Dormouse – Rachel May
Queen – Libby Andersen
King – Nelson Wynn
Two Ladies in Waiting – Meagan Anderson & Roxanne Bormann
Soldier – Josh Sheppard
The Gardeners – Jillian Urbach, Cady Wilson
Executioner – Tia Wilson
Tweedledee – Isabella Brown
Tweedledum – Maddy Marinkovich
Mock Turtle – Audrey Sable
Gryphon – Eric Sable
Thursday – Saturday, January 16-18 7:30 pm
Sunday, January 19 2:00 pm
Adults $16
Students $8
RUSH $5
Tickets available at 378-3210 or www.sjctheatre.org
Business Partner: King’s Market
Posted January 15, 2014 at 5:55 am by Tim Dustrude
First, it’s “Literary Salon with Laurie Orton” – Better than a book club, it’s a chance to talk with friends old and new about books and authors, themes and ideas. Join us for refreshments and refreshing talk!
Thursday, January 16th, at 7pm
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Then, “Moving with Intention Pays Off!” with Mariya Masters.
Learn and practice safe, gentle movements (not exercises) that are known to calm emotions, sharpen thinking, learning and memory, and improve balance and motor skills. See and feel a difference immediately!
Light refreshments will be served.
January 18th at 11:00 am in the Meeting Room.
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And finally, Tragedy of the Commons Documentary Series host Ken Crawbuck presents “Trouble the Water“, a film about the aftermath of Katrina. “It’s not about a hurricane. It’s about American.”
Popcorn and hot drinks served, thanks to the Friends to the Library.
Saturday, January 18th at 7:00 pm.