Posted January 2, 2014 at 4:20 pm by Tim Dustrude
Trying something new here – Let me know what you think of this.
Living in a small community like ours, we pass familiar faces all the time. And sometimes not so familiar, but for the most part, we know more people than we don’t , it seems. Here’s our question for the day:
Posted January 2, 2014 at 5:33 am by Tim Dustrude
Debbi Fincher from the the San Juan Island Prevention Coaltion sent over these photos from their New Year’s Eve celebration. And it looks like they had a great time….
Here is just a glimpse at the family fun Island Rec and The San Juan Island Prevention Coalitiion put together last night. More photos are posted on our website at sjipc.org
Cheers and Happy New Year!
Debbi
Click here to see more photos from this event:
Posted January 2, 2014 at 4:49 am by Tim Dustrude
Skagit Valley College says there’s still time to register for Winter Quarter.
Make 2014 your best year yet! Classes begin Monday, January 6th. Have a few last minute questions? Need help? We want you to succeed! http://www.skagit.edu/enroll
Call the San Juan Center at 378-3220
Posted January 1, 2014 at 5:52 am by Tim Dustrude
Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference – A NYC Taxi driver wrote…
Photo credit – www.elderhelpers.org
I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. ‘Just a minute’, answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.
After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90’s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940’s movie.
By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.
There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.
‘Would you carry my bag out to the car?’ she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.
She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.
She kept thanking me for my kindness. ‘It’s nothing’, I told her.. ‘I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.’
‘Oh, you’re such a good boy’, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, ‘Could you drive through downtown?’
‘It’s not the shortest way,’ I answered quickly… Continue Reading
Posted January 1, 2014 at 5:45 am by Tim Dustrude
Click to enlarge and see if you recognize anyone
Here’s this month’s little bit of history, Part V in our series from the San Juan Historical Museum…
An alert eye will see that these two images from the Woodmen of the World Hall, built at Madden’s Corner in 1905, are from two different eras. The ticket dated 1937 is from a dance held many years after this group of about 200 people posed in their best party attire around 1910.
Al Sundstrom recalls buying the hall for $321 after the lodge disbanded in the early 1940s. He disassembled the building, salvaging the island grown Douglas fir and French-milled timber dance floor, which were sold for other uses.
The San Juan Historical Museum would like to add more names to the islanders pictured here. A few names have already been written on the back of the original photo – Julius Johnson, Art Erickson, Steve Boyce, Mrs. Sandwith, Mr. and Mrs. Thrones and Mrs. Merrifield. Please contact the museum if you can identify more people. www.sjmuseum.org
Posted December 31, 2013 at 5:55 am by Tim Dustrude
Don’t forget – this is happening tonight at Brickworks!
Come ring in the New Year with friends, family, music, food, and FUN at Island Rec’s annual Community New Year’s Eve Celebration!
This year the festivities have relocated to the beautiful new Brickworks Building, but we’re bringing along some of our favorite NYE party activities, including the ever-popular hat-decorating station and photo booth.
Adults and kids alike can enter games and contests for a chance to win one of many fabulous door prizes donated by local businesses. Partygoers can also look forward to special presentations by the Island Chordsmen and Spring Street International School’s “Rock Solid” youth group.
Doors open at 7pm. We’ll count down the New Year on Eastern Standard Time, watching the ball drop in Times Square at 9:00pm. All-ages are welcome, but children under 13 need to be accompanied by an adult. Please bring a sweet or savory snack to share in potluck style!
This family-friendly, alcohol-free event is co-sponsored by Island Rec and the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition.
Posted December 31, 2013 at 5:46 am by Tim Dustrude
This was shared by the National Park Service…
Belle Vue Sheep Farm was making money by September 1859 – Photo contributed by NPS
On chilly morning here 160 years ago, Vancouver Island Gov. James Douglas (also chief factor of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Victoria) landed on San Juan Island and established the agricultural station that became known as Belle Vue Sheep Farm.
The occupation of the island by a quasi-government entity -The Company held the charter to colonize Vancouver Island – drew an immediate negative response from Americans on the mainland. Thus began the unrest that would culminate in the Pig War of 1859, the lessons from which would lead to the creation of San Juan Island National Historical Park.
Here is Governor Douglas’ letter, written Dec. 27, 1853, reporting the founding of the station:
Fort Victoria
27th
Archibald Barclay Esq.
Sir
…I am in consequence of the Governor and the Committee’s instructions of 16 Sept., engaged in forming a partial[?] settlement on San Juan, one of the Aro Islands, on account of the Fur Trade. I proceeded thither on the 15th Inst (December) in the Beaver, which were all safely landed the same evening. The following day the “Otter” arrived with another deck load of sheep, and I propose further to increase the flock to about 1300 breeding ewes.
I commenced the buildings on the banks of a rivulet in the centre of a dry elevated sheep run containing about 1500 acres of clear prairie land, besides a large extent of brush land, which will afford a good deal of feed. This land yields excellent grass and will support from 2000 to 3000 head of sheep. I have placed Mr Charles Griffin temporarily in charge of that establishment. I shall take measures to occupy Lopez Island, by opening a small farm, which I can probably do at a small expense, by employing persons to work it for a half share of the profits…
James Douglas
Note: Warm thanks to San Juan Island historian Boyd Pratt for the transcription of this letter.
Posted December 31, 2013 at 5:39 am by Tim Dustrude
Just got a note from Gail and Randy at Cotton Cotton Cotton to share with you…
Hey Tim,
Would you mind mentioning in the Update that Cotton Cotton Cotton will be open Tuesday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and then closed January 1 through February 9th?
We will be looking forward to bringing you lots of new, fun, comfortable clothes and accessories for 2014!
Happy New Year Friday Harbor!
GnR
Posted December 31, 2013 at 5:33 am by Tim Dustrude
Farmers Market, 1st Saturdays of the month through the winter.
Don’t forget, the San Juan Island Farmers Market continues through the winter on the first Saturdays of January, February, and March at Brickworks.
10:00 am – 1:00 pm, with fresh local produce, cheese, meat, prepared foods, crafts, music, and more.
See you there!
Posted December 30, 2013 at 5:50 am by Tim Dustrude
Dates have been secured for the 2nd annual Friday Harbor Film Festival – It will be held over Veteran’s Day Weekend, Nov. 7th, 8th & 9th, 2014. All the venues will be the same and more information will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.
In the meantime, you can check out their Tuesday Night Films at the Grange – Every other Tuesday night through Winter and Spring. These will be films that were featured at the 1st Annual Film Festival, so if you missed one, or if you want to see it again, this is your chance. Here are the dates and the movies:
This is a primary fundraiser for the FHFF, so if you would like to see a quality documentary film, please plan to attend and show your support. Admission is by donation. More info at www.fhff.org
Posted December 30, 2013 at 5:35 am by Tim Dustrude
This is Rosie, this week’s Pet of the Week – Click for larger image
This beautiful young lady is, “Rosie”, a charming Labrador/Cattle Dog mix. She’s just had her first birthday in November, but was raised around older dogs, so has a nice, calm demeanor. She is very friendly and well-mannered and gets along nicely with other dogs. She’s great on a leash and loves to retrieve tennis balls.
There is some question as to how she will do with cats, so we think it would be best if she finds a home without cats. Rosie is 57 pounds of love and affection – what’s not to love? Stop by the shelter and meet her – we think you’ll really like this sweet girl!
Posted December 30, 2013 at 5:28 am by Tim Dustrude
Come enjoy complimentary mini-classes and demonstrations. Meet The Studio owners and instructors Jacquelyn Reiff and Jennifer Horn, enjoy a special treat from Coho Restaurant and ring in the New Year with island friends. The best part is, we will be offering special promotions on our services, giveaways and 20% off our selection of ToeSox, SOLOW apparel and more!
COMPLIMENTARY CLASS SCHEDULE:
Drop-ins are welcome but we recommend reserving your spot in advance at www.TheStudioSJI.com.
Saturday, Jan. 4th from 9:00 am – Noon
278 A St., Unit 4
(360) 378-0150 www.thestudiosji.com
thestudiosji (@) gmail [.] com
Posted December 30, 2013 at 5:14 am by Tim Dustrude
The friendly folks over at the new cheese shop want to say thanks and show you their appreciation with some special offers for the end of the year:
Thank you for an incredible first season, Friday Harbor!
Join us for 15% off Liquids for Locals + 25% off Cheese and Merchandise!
All Locals (real and at heart!) will receive 15% off all beverages (beer on tap, wine by the glass, wine bottles, soft drinks…) and 25% off all cut cheeses and shelf merchandise on December 30th and December 31st.
We are taking a 2 month break (January – February) but we will reopen Spring 2014! We look forward to another great year.
(Hurry in! First come first serve!)
www.sjicheese.com
360-370-5115
Posted December 28, 2013 at 2:57 pm by Tim Dustrude
Rob Simpson invites you to this Month’s Conscientious Projector movie on Monday…
Hello Holiday Islanders,
Next Monday’s screening (December 30th at 7 pm) shows us what happened to the people of Haines, Alaska when they became “grounded.”
Haines is a lot like San Juan Island in winter… somewhat isolated … only a lot colder. So, like most of us, they don’t spend much time with their “feet in the sand.”
But, a naturalist filmmaker stumbled onto the “new agey” technique sometimes called “earthing.” And then he started to share this with others… and began filming the results.
Come to this screening for a fascinating way to begin the New Year. ( I’ve been thinking about it for weeks now.) Monday Dec. 30 at the SJI Library.
And, if you missed last month’s film exploring the truth about “CROP CIRCLES,” be sure to watch it on line. It’s a film you’ll want to share with others… and talk about. Here’s a link: http://youtu.be/zkSE2ZZU7EU
Posted December 27, 2013 at 1:09 pm by Tim Dustrude
This looks pretty cool right here – Celebrate New Years Eve Early – Dinner and Wine Pairing and be done when it’s the new year in New York, Three Hours Early! Good idea Mike!
Early New Year’s Eve Dinner Special
It’s a 5 Course Wine Pairing Dinner:
Celebratory Champagne
Served from 7:00 – 9:30 pm
$49 All-Inclusive
Beer and non-alcholic options available
All ages welcome
Seating limited to 24 so please reserve now – (425) 503-9906
or by email at:
MikesCafeandWineBar [@] gmail [.] com
Mike Sharadin, owner of the new wine bar on 2nd St. behind the drug store
Mike’s Cafe & Wine Bar – 135 2nd St. Friday Harbor
Posted December 27, 2013 at 5:48 am by Tim Dustrude
A volunteer work crew builds a puncheon across a seasonal creek on a hiking trail in the park’s Westcott Bay land.
The conservation and addition of the former Webb property to San Juan Island National Historical Park was completed December 20 when The Conservation Fund transferred the remaining 34 acres to the park, announced superintendent Lee Taylor.
The National Park Service (NPS) acquired the first portion of the 70-acre property last March from The Conservation Fund with support from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a federal land protection program that receives a percentage of proceeds from offshore oil and gas royalties. The U.S. Congress appropriated the LWCF funding in Fiscal Year 2010 with strong support from U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and Representative Rick Larsen.
Looking out on the lagoon in Westcott Bay.
The newly protected land, primarily woodlands located along 2,500 feet of pristine shoreline on Westcott Bay, will enable the NPS to enhance the park’s educational and recreational offerings at English Camp.
The park is in the process of drafting a Development Concept Plan for the Westcott Bay and Mitchell Hill additions. The plan will provide a blueprint for future facilities and recreational activities for each area. The next step in this process is a public workshop to gather input on trail system design and use. The workshop will take place January 22 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Mullis Senior Center.
“Conserving the island ecosystem, while allowing for public enjoyment, is integral to the purpose of San Juan Island National Historical Park”, said park superintendent Lee Taylor. “I invite individuals and organizations to come and provide input on the future management and use of the property.”