Coral Reef Adventure follows the real-life expedition of ocean explorers and underwater filmmakers Howard and Michele Hall. The Halls guide you to the islands and sun-drenched waters of the South Pacific to document, in the biggest and best film format that exists, the health and beauty of coral reefs. On the giant screen, you’ll feel like you’re diving and exploring right alongside them. Narrated by Liam Neeson and featuring the music of Crosby, Stills and Nash.

The film welcomes you to a world unlike any other, a world that has been called the most diverse; fascinating and mysterious landscapes and creatures exist hidden from our sight. Voyage to the South Pacific’s coral reefs to view their remarkable contribution to life on earth and the imminent dangers they currently face.

More info available on the Film Festival Website.

Joanne Runyan, RN with the SJC Health Dept. sends this notice about upcoming flu vaccination clinics…

Annual flu Vaccine is the Best Prevention
By the San Juan County Health Department

An annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu and the flu-related complications that could lead to hospitalization and even death. Health experts across the country recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine. This recommendation has been in place by the CDC since 2010.

While influenza isn’t particularly dangerous for most people, it can cause severe illness and serious complications for anyone, regardless of whether or not they have high risk conditions. In fact, influenza is among the most common respiratory illnesses in the U. S., infecting millions every flu season.

Every year, flu spreads across the country, from person to person, family to family, and community to community. When a person coughs, infected droplets get into the air and another person can breathe them in and become exposed. The virus can also be spread by hands infected with the virus. Influenza spreads easily and quickly! Continue Reading

It is time to register for Island Rec’s Boy’s Basketball League, open to all boys in grades 4th through 8th. The focus of this league is development and improvement of individual and team skills. Previous basketball experience is not required. All games are played on San Juan Island on Sunday afternoons in Turnbull Gym. Participants practice twice per week beginning the week of October 28th.
Register online at www.islandrec.org or stop by the Island Rec Office. If registered by October 17, $35; $40 Thereafter. Final deadline to register is October 22. Call 378-4953 for more information about the league or if you are interested in volunteering as a coach.

OPALCO’s Suzanne Olson sends us this update on Kevin Zoerb…

Doctors at Harborview Medical Center are calling our injured Journeyman Lineman Kevin Zoerb the “Miracle Man.” Kevin had a very successful surgery on his hand, which was burned in the accident on September 20th when he came into contact with a high voltage line. The prognosis is good, although he still has challenges ahead. He will have several additional surgeries and remain in the burn center for at least another month. The family has set up a Caring Bridge site (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kevinzoerb) to provide updates as they occur and a way to send messages to Kevin and his family.

A “Zoerb Family Fund” has been set up at Islanders Bank to help with expenses. Donations to the Fund can be made through any Islanders Bank branch. The OPALCO Board has committed $3,000 to the fund and would like to invite our members to join us in making donations, in order to meet the family’s needs over the coming months.

A formal investigation of the accident is underway. Safety is OPALCO’s top priority. The Co-op has a strong safety education and training program led by an industry expert, Jeff Myers of Columbia Rural Electric Association. Our safety committee meets monthly to review safety issues and provide training to both outside and inside staff.

In case you forgot, here’s this announcement again – Oktoberfest is next Saturday!

This fun and crazy annual family event features San Juan’s original Blaskapelle Oompah Orchestra, Bavarian menu and drinks, professional polka instruction, a singalong and kids’ crafts.

Break out the liederhosen and dirndl skirts for the costume contest! Brought to you by the SJI Chamber of Commerce. All Oktoberfest proceeds benefit the charities of the Lions, Rotary and Soroptimists. Collectible SJI Oktoberfest steins will be for sale.

For more information, email
Rebecca [@] SanJuanIsland [.] org, call 360 378 5240, or find the event on Facebook: SJI Oktoberfest.

Saturday, October 5, 5 to 10 p.m., at the San Juan County Fairgrounds on Argyle Street in Friday Harbor.

Ready or not, here it comes, so check out this free workshop:
Fresh Ideas on Creating Winter Confinement Areas for Horses & Livestock
Get a jump on winter and make the rainy season easier! Learn how to winterize your property, beat mud and become more chore-efficient at a time of year when it counts the most.

This popular presentation provides fresh ideas and innovative techniques on creating winter confinement areas for horses and livestock.

Do you hate keeping your horses or livestock tucked away in a confinement area all winter, or watch as your pastures turn to muck and mud? Learn how innovations in confinement areas, such as track paddocks, trail courses and slow feeders can be a chore-efficient way for you to help keep your animals mentally stimulated, mud-free and healthy all winter long.

Get advice on resources to use to create your own winter confinement area that meets your specific needs. Alayne Blickle from Horses for Clean Water gives this very popular presentation.

Join us Tuesday, October 1st, 4-7 pm
Brickworks, 150 Nichols Street, Friday Harbor
For questions or to register, please contact us at:
[email protected] or call (360) 378-6621.

The date for this event has been changed to Wednesday, November 13th from 9:00 – 4:30 at Brickworks in Friday Harbor.

Again, this year’s focus is on:

• Current issues facing our businesses and affecting our economy
• The San Juan County economic element of the comprehensive plan
• County ports’ role in economic development
• Regional and international economic development planning
• Workforce development & entrepreneurship training needs in SJC

I will send more information in the coming weeks.

Hope you can come to this exciting visioning session!

Victoria Compton
Executive Director
San Juan County Economic Development Council
(360) 378-2906
info [@] sanjuansedc [.] org
www.sanjuansedc.org

Striving to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County.

These three actions may save your life if (when) there is an earthquake where you are.

The Great Washington ShakeOut will take place on October 17, 2013 at 10:17 am. Great ShakeOut Earthquake drills are a chance to practice how to protect ourselves during big earthquakes, and also how to get prepared.

Here’s the drill: Identify safe spots in every room, such as under sturdy desks or tables, or on the ground next to an interior wall away from windows and things that may fall.

Earthquakes can start fires, so store a fire extinguisher where it can be easily accessed, and learn how to use it (P.A.S.S.-Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).

People often cut their feet during or after earthquakes when they get out of bed and walk barefoot on broken glass or other fallen objects. To keep shoes and a flashlight within reach, put them in a bag under your bed.

Access to making long distance phone calls is usually restored first. Choose someone who lives out of the area for everyone in your family to report their status, then learn how to Text First, Talk Second from ShakeOur partner Safe America Foundation.

If you are a person with a disability or need extra help, include your personal support network in your plan and visit EarthquakeCountry.org/disability for a variety of resources.

Brendan Cowan, Department Emergency Management, says, “Islanders should expect to be on their own for at least a week, providing their own food, water, and other essentials because we will be cut off from the mainland.”

The Drill will help ensure you’re prepared when the ground shakes.

Cyber bullying and Internet Safety Parent Meeting at Friday Harbor Elementary School

Community Advocate Melanie Kaegi will visit the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades at Friday Harbor Elementary School to discuss the topic of telecommunication safety. Melanie Kaegi is a Community Advocate for Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) of San Juan County. Prior to the classroom presentations, there will be a parent meeting for an interactive discussion about this topic. The parent meeting is on Monday, September 30th, from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at the Friday Harbor Elementary School Gym. Undersheriff Bruce Distler will attend the parent meeting to discuss the legal side of telecommunication safety. Childcare will be provided, if needed.

This parent meeting will cover many different aspects of telecommunication safety such as cyber bullying, and safety about the internet, social media, cell phones, and online gaming. If you have any questions about the curriculum please contact Elementary School Principal Diane Ball at 370-7309 or Counseling Coordinator Mikah Smith at 370-7359.

Just got this note from Andy at Island’s Veterinary Clinic on Mullis Street. Please keep your eyes open for this!

Hello Tim,

I know this is not your usual fare, but I thought I’d give it a try. This weekend I had the unfortunate experience of someone steeling my bicycle from the shed behind Sonja’s clinic. My bike is a Bridgestone XO-1. This is unique, now collector’s, bike that looks exactly as pictured below. The one exception is mine has a small black rear rack (black rack over rear tire). I can assure you this is the only bike of its kind on the island. If spotted please contact the Sherriff’s office or call me directly.

Thanks,

Andy Hills
(360) 378-3380 direct

On Saturday, October 5th from 3:30-7:00pm, the Island Harvest Chili Cook-off and the Artstock Art Market will bring a little something for everyone to Brickworks.

Competing for best chili at the event will be Coho Restaurant, Pablito’s Taqueria, Cask and Schooner, Ernie’s Cafe, Mike’s Café, and the Friday Harbor High School’s Food for Thought Program (2013 Chili Champ back to defend their title!). Each of these fine food establishments will create a unique chili for folks to taste, including a vegetarian option and corn bread. A cider press will be on hand to make your own fresh apple cider, and there will be a fire pit to make your own s’mores with homemade marshmallows. A beer garden will feature local wine, beer and hard cider.

The public is invited to judge the best chili, with the crowning of the chili champ at 5:00p.m.

Tickets for the chili meal are $15 for an adult and $10 for a child under 12. Tickets can be purchased at the Saturday SJI Farmers Market at the Sweet Earth Farm Booth, at Market Chef and online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/471072. The ticket covers ample chili, fresh apple cider, and s’mores.

The Artstock Art Market in the Brickworks building is free and will feature a variety of local artists selling their creations. Live music will be provided by local musicians, Teddy Deane (3:30-5:00pm) and the Florino Brothers (5:00-7:00pm).

Artstock 2013 will also feature a Gallery Tour around Friday Harbor. The Gallery Tour features two new galleries, Gallery 9 and WM McCauley Gallery, and long-time Artstock favorites, Island Studios and Waterworks Gallery. All participating galleries will stay open until 7:00 pm, offering special receptions with music and refreshment. Artstock is sponsored by Earthbox Inn & Spa and the Port of Friday Harbor.

The Island Harvest Chili Cook-off and Artstock are part of the Great Island Grown Festival and Savor the San Juans.

For more information contact Candace Jagel at:
snowberryfarm [@] rockisland [.] com

The Animal Protection Society, Friday Harbor has announced a $15 adoption fee for all cats over six months of age during the month of October. Kittens under the age of six months will be available for $50, which is half the normal adoption fee. All adoptions are subject to approval.

The shelter has plenty of wonderful cats and kittens to choose from – stop by and meet them! The Animal Protection Society is located at 111 Shelter Road.

Seshen

This coming weekend, Seshen and Scott will hold space to deeply and gently guide students to find their authentic movement and enthusiasm. We will travel the path of endless self discovery-down from the minds conversations of past and future into the raw, messy and miraculous event of this body sweating, tensing, opening, living and dying, now!

Like the ocean has its tides, the moon has its waxing and waning cycles, it is natural phenomena for us human to live in the ebb and flow of occurences, thoughts, and emotions in our life. Yet we find this sometimes difficult, because there is a deep desire within us, to navigate ourselves in peace, in any dynamics of life, even within the discomforts and the struggles. Soul Motion teaches us some wisdom for this embodiment, while we move our bodies among different dynamics of landscapes. It teaches us following: in truth, there is nothing we can do, but just to be, in breathing, listening, and allowing.

The intention of this weekend workshop is embodiment of this BEingness. In the Soul Motion journey, we always start with deep listening to ourselves -to our body, where our heart’s truth resides. Through this reunion with oneself, our mind relaxes, and we become able to be guided and moved by our inner wisdom, in opening ourselves to every dynamic happening around us.

During this workshop, we emphasise on the gravity. We will explore our own relationship with gravity, both internal and external, to transform the limitations we carried into deeper groundedness to the earth and to the present moment, thus into the greater freedom. Like the trees rooting deeply into the earth and dancing freely with the winds, we practice to anchor ourselves deeply within our truth, so that we can stay soft, open, and flexible with any currents coming toward us, or which we move toward. In this state of BEingness, we will find our heart resting in this NOW with all other being around us, where the warmth of love is breathing and flowing endlessly within and without. Continue Reading

Pirrette Rouse shows the single raffle ticket that she purchased to win 9 days and 8 nights in a two-bedroom condominium on the Kona side of Hawaii. The raffle was a fundraiser for Friday Harbor Grange.

Frank and Pat Penwell, members of Friday Harbor Grange donated the use of the condo for the raffle.
Pirrette says that they will arrange the date of their Hawaii vacation for January or February.

Blindfolded Sheriff Rob Nou picks the winning ticket for the Hawaii vacation raffle winner while Frank Penwell stands ready to announce the winner. The drawing was held at the end of the Pioneer Festival.

Deb Langhans sends over this request for you to read, sign and share her petition to the President and Congress to act now on fixing the problems with the Fukushima nuclear power reactor in Japan. Here’s Deb…

While I’m very aware this island has endured more than its share of hardship & pain over the past couple of years, I feel compelled now to urge you to respond to a rapidly escalating disaster across our ocean that is putting every woman, man & child on this planet at risk. I’m referring to the desperately unstable Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan.

On March 11, 2011, the Tohoku earthquake & tsunami crippled Fukushima Daiichi, causing structural damage, equipment failures, nuclear reactor meltdowns & releases of lethal radioactive materials.

Since that disaster, reports about Fukushima’s actual deterioration & leaking radiation into the Pacific Ocean & atmosphere have continued to be frightening, contradictory & shockingly absent from most mainstream media. But experts like respected nuclear engineer Arnie Gundersen & physician, author & Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Helen Caldicott have been providing updates & warnings that action must be taken quickly in order to prevent global catastrophe.

As members of a planetary family, I implore you to open the link below & read, sign & share the petition I’ve launched urging President Obama & Congress to finally respond to this looming calamity. Fukushima is not just about Japan; Fukushima has become a global crisis that will impact generations into the unforeseeable future.. Please act NOW: Inform yourself by accessing independent media sources; sign & share this petition with everyone you know as quickly as possible. Thank you.

http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/president-obama-prevent?source=c.em.mt&r_by=7519279

It’s the San Juan Island Blood Drive at Mullis Community Senior Center. Wednesday from 11:30 to 5:30.

Walk-ins are welcome. Donors with appointments have priority at registration. For more info or to make an appointment contact Curt Van Hyning at 317-8399.

Sponsored by the San Juan Island Lions Club.