October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is a time for our community to come together and build awareness and a partnership to end family and relationship violence. Domestic violence touches every person in our community and society as a whole; it violates a person’s dignity, safety, and basic human rights.

Join with Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) as we celebrate the survivors and mourn the victims of the violence. Stand with us in the movement for a safer and healthier community. Show your support and learn how you can make a difference by attending our upcoming events. Our theme this year is “Why Domestic Violence is a Community Issue.”

• October 1 – A community forum and interactive learning experience
  6pm at the Mullis Center, featuring a panel of experts from our community and keynote speaker Senator Kevin Ranker. Free hors d’oeuvres, dessert and beverage will be served.
• October 10 – Remember My Name
  12 pm, at the Courthouse. Join us for a vigil in remembrance of victims who were killed by perpetrators of domestic violence.
• October 24 – Local Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction
  5 to 8pm at the Presbyterian Church, Adults $10, Children (under 12) $5, Vegetarian menu and to-go orders available. Tickets at the door or contact DVSAS for advance ticket sales. Entertainment by Grisha Krivchenia, pianist and Sasha von Dassow, cellist.

For more information call DVSAS Monday-Thursday, 10-5 at 378-8680.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council will offer a FREE workshop on business & occupation taxes, for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The class will be presented by Shannon Hugel of the Washington State Department of Revenue, on Wednesday, October 2nd from 10:30 a.m. until noon, with one-on-one consultations until 1 p.m.

This fact-filled workshop will help business owners learn about the Washington State B&O taxes that apply to their businesses. In this workshop, you’ll learn answers to your specific tax questions, find out about record-keeping requirements, and learn how to complete a tax return.

The workshop will be held at the San Juan Island Library at 1010 Guard Street in Friday Harbor. Advanced registration is recommended: [email protected], or (360) 378-2906.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) strives to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County. We believe a strong economy builds a strong community. The EDC works to build an environment that helps business owners create jobs. We serve business: linking organizations and resources, providing valuable information, rendering assistance and advocating for an improved island business environment.

Recently, Governor Jay Inslee appointed Diane Martindale to the Washington State Arts Commission (ARTSWA). This is a three-year appointment and the first time someone from San Juan County has been on the commission.

Diane serves as the chair of the Art Committee for the San Juan Island Public Library, on the board of the Island Arts League, and is an advisor for the San Juan Islands Museum of Art where she was the director of the most recent Bergner exhibition. For IMA she has written grants to fund arts education in our public schools and Family Arts Days. Diane is a member of the San Juan County Arts Council and a supporter of the 100 Friends of Old Island Barns.

Most recently she has been a voice in the community for public participation in public art. She is a volunteer in CATS for the San Juan Island Community Theatre. When living in Houston was on the board of the Houston Ebony Opera Guild and a member of Women in the Visual and Literary Arts. Diane is a life-long supporter of the arts, but her own personal talent is confined to quilting.

She believes that the work done by individual artists and organizations for years resulted in bringing San Juan County arts to state-level attention. Working with an even more diverse set of like-minded individuals, Diane hopes to learn of a range of successful programs and ideas to benefit our county. Continue Reading

Happy Equinox!

Join us this fall for two work parties the ongoing Garry oak habitat project on Cady Mountain.

Sunday, September 29
Sunday, October 27
Noon – 4pm

These “work parties” are opportunities to learn more about unique island ecology, meet other islanders, and enjoy spending time on the preserve!

Please RSVP for details on meeting place and work plan.

Doug McCutchen |Preserve Steward |San Juan County Land Bank

350 Court Street #6 | Friday Harbor, WA 98250 (360)378-4402
dougm [@] rockisland [.] com
http://www.sjclandbank.org/

It is officially Fall today, and the weather is wanting us to know that. Time to pick up all that loose stuff in the yard and secure it. Maybe go make sure your boat is moored securely. Here is a report from the National Weather Service.

Click here for larger version

A strong, but fast-moving storm will bring wet and windy conditions to Western Washington for the first day of Fall on Sunday. Southerly winds of 15 to 30 mph with gusts of 35 to 45 mph expected. The strongest winds will be on the coast and northern interior areas. Winds this strong could snap branches and cause local power outages. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible for the coast and mountains, while other areas will receive less than an inch. The higher elevations in the mountains will also see snow as the snow levels will lower down to 5000 feet by Monday.

The fire danger in San Juan County is about to move to “Low”

With the fire danger beginning to wane, San Juan County’s fire services are preparing to change the fire risk from “Moderate” to “Low”. With the risk of a damaging wildland fire diminishing, burn permits will be available beginning Tuesday, October 1st.

“Residential” permits allow for a fire up to ten feet in diameter. The permit fee is $15. Permits will be valid through June, 2014.

State law prohibits the use of burn barrels, and fires kindled with a permit may only burn natural, untreated wood.

Beginning October 1st, burn permits may be obtained in person from the Fire Districts located on Orcas, San Juan, Lopez and Shaw Islands. Permits will also be available on line at the San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Web site: www.sjcfiremarshal.org.

More information is available at www.dnr.wa.gov.

This Week’s Preview Film – A Taste of the Film Festival
On Tuesday, September 24 at 7 pm come view Visions of Mustang, the weekly documentary offering from the Friday Harbor Film Festival at the FHFF office (10 First St., next door to The Toy Box. Admission is by donation, including free popcorn. Seating is limited. The film runs 42 minutes.

Visions of Mustang (2012)
The Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang lies in a remote region of northwestern Nepal, nestled in the Himalayas at an average altitude of 13,000 feet. It is a last refuge for traditional Tibetan Buddhist and nomadic culture. Due to extreme sun exposure, its people suffer one of the highest rates of cataract blindness in the world, and lack even the most basic form of medical care. Visions of Mustang follows the first expedition to enter Upper Mustang to provide surgical clinics and restore sight. With a team of 18 monks, 33 ponies, and international doctors, the expedition sets off on an arduous journey to reach the heart of Mustang, the walled city of Lo Manthang, to provide life-altering care to thousands in need.

At the Film Festival — A Film You Won’t Want to Miss!

Girl Rising
Girl Rising is a groundbreaking film, directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins. It tells the stories of nine extraordinary girls from nine different countries; each story was written by a celebrated writer from the girl’s own country and is narrated by a renowned actress. Girl Rising showcases the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to change the world.

The featured girls face arranged marriages, child slavery and other heartbreaking injustices. Despite these obstacles, the brave girls offer hope and inspiration. By getting an education, they’re able to break down barriers and create change. The girls are unique, but the barriers they are forced to deal with are universal.

Click here for more information on this film and also Tickets, Volunteer opportunities and more. (PDF)

Pictured Left to right are: FANS Board Members, David Waldron, Shannon Rishel, Todd Kromer, Cathy Kromer (Thomsen and Reiff) Susan Mazzarella, Kyle Loring and Jan Bollwinkel-Smith. Missing from the photo because he took the photo is FANS Board Member Marc Islam.

FANS, Families and Neighbors Support Island Rec Board presented Island Rec Director Sally Thomsen and Island Rec Board Commissioner Jacquelyn Reiff with a check for $6,300 to fund Island Rec’s Free Movies in the Park Series. In its first full year of operation FANS contributed a total of $8,200 to Island Rec. The additional funds included sponsorship of Island Rec’s popular Music on the Lawn, free summer concert series and subsidy for 40 island children to take swimming lessons.

The Incredibles, the second movie in the Movies in the Park series was the ideal opportunity to recognize the FANS board as “they are truly super heroes to Island Rec and this community for funding Movies in the Park” stated Thomsen. “Although I was unable to make capes for all FAN Club members they too are Super Heroes!”

Movies in the Park run through September on Saturday evenings at dusk. For more information about FANS and Movies in the Park visit www.islandrec.org , www.islandrecfans.org or call Island Rec at 378-4953.

As another school year begins, Friday Harbor students will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of exciting, hands on arts experiences under the guidance of working artists and art educators. The San Juan Islands Museum of Art (IMA) in partnership with local public schools is assuring that, despite drastic cuts in educational funding, children in grades K-12 will be able to continue to work in and learn about a variety of arts media as an integral part of their basic education.

IMA, whose mission is to connect people with art that inspires, challenges, enlightens, and educates, has been grateful for the support of the San Juan Island Community Foundation in gathering donations for art in our schools. Additional funding has been provided by the Washington State Arts Commission and the FH Elementary and Middle School PTAs.

This year 100% of the Friday Harbor 7th and 8th grade Middle School arts program and 100% of the “Artist in Residence” program at the Elementary School is being funded thanks to IMA, the PTAs, and the Community Foundation’s efforts. Dr. Bo Turnage, President of the IMA Board, notes, “We want to make sure that our children learn from the very beginning how much the arts can enrich their lives.” Continue Reading

This message came in from Maddie Ovenell, Fairgrounds and Events Manager for San Juan County…

Thank you for supporting the Fair!
Thank you to all of YOU, the county residents who participated, bought tickets and enjoyed the Fair. Without your support, there would not be a Fair.

A special thank you to all of the Superintendents and Volunteers who worked so hard in each of the departments. This Fair depends on your enthusiasm, spirit and sense of community. We truly could not do the Fair without each of you.

Additionally we would like to thank the Sponsors and Businesses who provided financial and in-kind support:

• Island Market
• LOEA Design
• Rock Island
• Printonyx
• Kings Market
• Computer San Juan
• Discovery Inn
• Market Chef
• SJC Textile Guild
• Bakery San Juan
• Theresa Simendinger
• RRF & GOS – Orcas Island

On behalf of the San Juan County Fair Board and Staff,
THANK YOU to everyone who supports this wonderful county-wide community event!

Desi Whalen of FHHS class of 2011 sends you this announcement and call for support:

Hello, Friday Harbor!

I’m currently in my Junior year here at Chapman University (Orange, CA), working hard on my Creative Producing for Film degree. It’s been a spectacular journey so far, but this semester I’m working on something truly amazing – a short film titled Beast that I am really excited about and wanted to share with you.

Cast and crew of the production of “Beast” – Click for larger version

This current project is my Producing debut here at the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, and therefore, it has become my baby. I am so extremely proud of the talent that makes up our fantastic team, and the story is one we hope to share at film festivals everywhere. The film takes place in the Midwest, 1962, and revolves around three young boys on their way to a rumble, only to find themselves in for a fight much greater than what originally met their eye. The story is about finding one’s identity, loss of innocence, and living up to society’s image of what it takes to be a man. Loosely based on H.P. Lovecraft’s 1905 short-story The Beast in the Cave, the script encompasses a lot of authentic fears that are going to be a beautiful challenge to bring to the screen.

Like any film, we are seeking your support in our efforts of making the production value of this film top-notch. If you could please check out the link below to our Kickstarter page, I encourage you to watch our promotional video we have created and read a little bit more about our production process. I’ve always felt the incredible support and love from our special island community growing up, and I would love to share this project and experience with you all. Thank you so much for your time and for taking interest in Beast. I truly appreciate it!

Link to the Kickstarter page.

Desi Whalen (FHHS Class of 2011)

Free blood pressure checking is now available in the lobby at Peace Island Medical Center. A new automatic blood pressure testing station has been donated by Peace Island Volunteers in support of its mission to facilitate local access to healthcare services. All of the funds required to purchase this self-serve kiosk were raised at a silent auction during last May’s “Art in the Afternoon” event, sponsored by Peace Island Volunteers and held at PIMC.

Tom Cable using the Blood Pressure Kiosk

The new blood pressure station has been installed behind the stairs, near the coffee kiosk. The public is invited to come try it out during PIMC’s regular clinic hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Those who do should remember that:

• Like one’s heart rate, blood pressure can change. Exertion, like walking up stairs or dealing with the stress in the workplace, may make blood pressure and heart rate go higher than what you are used to seeing. Such variability is normal.
• Any blood pressure measurement is just one data point, at a single moment in time. Blood pressure experts emphasize averaging several measurements over time, rather than focusing on a single reading.
• Blood pressure measurement is like any other diagnostic test: it’s not always 100% accurate. Blood pressure measuring devices, even this kiosk which is designed to meet industry standards, will produce readings that can vary.

The installation of this health monitoring station is part of Peace Island Volunteers’ mission to support and promote healthcare services in San Juan County, especially at Peace Island Medical Center. This support comes in many forms, including volunteer work at PIMC; holiday decorating; outdoor trail development on the property; providing magazines and children’s books, articles of clothing for accident or trauma patients, mammography capes, and knitted items for cancer patients; and more. Membership is open to all.

A free library card is your ticket to discover life’s possibilities

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the San Juan Island Library joins with the American Library Association and public libraries nationwide to make sure that community members have the best card in their wallets – a free library card.

Resources at the San Juan Island Library are available to anyone who has a library card. Students can turn to the library for materials, programs and services that support academic achievement.

Library patrons can use their library cards from home, too. Our library offers access to important educational resources, like the online database Learning Express Library. It is available through the library web site, www.sjlib.org, and it offers ways for students of all ages to engage in learning. Fourth and Fifth graders find help in studying math and there is special online help for Fourth graders in reading. Teens and adults will find help in preparing for college or for many trades, like cosmetology or plumbing. In addition to Learning Express Library, the library subscribes to web sites that provide help in learning foreign languages, improving English language skills, and free e-books and downloadable audiobooks.

“Our library provides all types of students with the tools they need to succeed,” says Laurie Orton, library director. “We provide students with exciting and engaging programs that make learning fun and resources that they can access from the library or from home – all with a free library card. It is for these reasons that a library card is the best card in your wallet, and the most important school supply of all.”

Library cards are free to island residents with proof of residency. Bring ID, and something that shows residence on San Juan Island. For people who cannot demonstrate residency, guest cards are available for a small fee, which also enables the library to serve our neighbors on outer islands.

In addition to its collections of materials to loan, the library also provides public access computers and WiFi. Library hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to make your own crackers? Check this out!

Click for larger poster

For more information and to register, send an email to:
rawesomedelights [@] gmail [.] com
or phone: (808) 769-2298

Wes sent this note over for Crystal Seas inviting you to join in their photo contest and maybe win a GoPro Camera – Looks pretty cool to me!

Hi, I know this isn’t “news” … but it is an “update” and might be worthy of mention on the San Juan Update! Crystal Seas is giving away a GoPro cam to the winner of their photo contest. It can be any photo taken in the San Juan Islands. The photo with the most votes wins the cam. Entrants must have a Facebook account to enter.

To browse and vote the current entries please visit:
http://crystalseas.com/_contest_aug_2013.html

Thanks very much
Wes Edholm

Park Education Specialist Raena Parsons works with children at the San Juan Island Library

A dozen Spanish-speaking San Juan Island children learned more about the national park in their backyard and about national parks nationwide thanks to a $15,000 grant from the National Park Foundation and a partnership with the San Juan Island Library.

San Juan Island National Historical Park was one of 34 national parks across the country selected to receive a 2013 America’s Best Idea grant from the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks. Inspired by the critically acclaimed Ken Burns’ documentary “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea”, the America’s Best Idea program funds park activities designed to connect diverse populations throughout the United States with their national parks in innovative and meaningful ways. Continue Reading