Ecology Youth Crew (from left): Carter Fuehr, Christian De La Zerda, Abbie Vogel and Supervisor, Erik Moore – Photo Credit: San Juan County Staff

Three San Juan Island Youths have been walking twelve miles a day to clear San Juan County’s roads and beaches of litter and noxious weeds. The Ecology Youth Corps (EYC) has been working for the past month on all four ferry-served islands. They conclude their work this week, and as one participant stated

It’s not easy work but it’s been worth it in the end.

The partnership between San Juan County Public Works and the Ecology Youth Corps is funded by the Ecology Community Litter Cleanup Program. The EYC is Washington State’s largest youth employment program. The youths earn minimum wage while gaining job skills, teamwork experience, and safety awareness.

The three teenagers hired this year from San Juan Island are Abbie Vogel, Christian De La Zerda, and Carter Feuhr.

Erik Moore, EYC Supervisor, says:

We have removed well over a ton of trash, nearly 1000 pounds of recycling, pulled countless hundreds of noxious weeds, cleaned around 100 miles of roadways, and over 90 acres of beaches and parks.

This year the crew expanded its work to include the removal of noxious weeds along County roads. Judy Jackson of the SJC Noxious Weed Board said

Identifying and removing noxious weeds provides an opportunity for island youth to enlarge their understanding of the natural world, while helping out their island community. The Noxious Weed Board is grateful to the Ecology Youth Corps for their help in removing tansy ragwort and common teasel from our roadsides.

This summer’s program has been a great success. Moore noted that the Island group is covering more miles than any other youth corps group in the state. Sam Gibboney, SJC Solid Waste Administrator, has hopes for future summer programs, and says:

The Youth Corps program is an excellent example of state, local and community collaboration,” she said. It’s a win for all involved.

The kids agree and hope the program is available for other youth next year. One of the crew members elaborated

I’ve learned a lot about plants and recycling and gotten a lot of exercise. It’s been a good job.

FH Tigers Football/Cheer Squad signups are still open-
Boys and girls ages 7-13 can come down to the FH Elementary school football field next Monday-Thursday at 3:30 and sign up.  If you have any questions, please call Shane Mason at 317-6224.

The Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor wants to make your pet a star! Plans are underway for a 2014 “SanJuan Island Pets” calendar to raise funds for the shelter and a photo contest has been announced to help pick the pets who will be featured.

Here’s the scoop:

• There is a $10 entry fee for each photo submitted. (To off-set printing costs)
• You may submit your digital photo(s), entry form and payment online or in person, directly to the shelter from Noon til 4:00 pm, Tuesday through Sunday at 111 Shelter Road, Friday Harbor, WA. (If submitting in person, please bring your photo on a CD or memory stick with a completed entry form.)
• Each photo must be accompanied by a separate application,
• Please submit horizontally cropped photos of pets only – no people please.
• DEADLINE TO SUBMIT PHOTOS IS MONDAY, AUGUST 19, SO GET SNAPPIN’!

Keep in mind the panel of judges will be looking for a “San Juan Island” flair, so photos that show what makes life here on the island so great for our pets would be great.

Also, many months will have a seasonal theme, so holiday photos or shots depicting a beautiful Summer or Fall day would be perfect.

Each suitable photo submitted not chosen to represent a particular month will be included on a separate page at the back of the calendar – EVERY PET IS A WINNER!
To enter the contest online, go to:  www.apsfh.org.

The calendar will also feature plenty of advertising space for local businesses. If you’d like more information about featuring your business in the calendar, please contact Jan or Leslie at the shelter  378-2158.

Proud mom Cathy was all smiles at Jens’ FHHS graduation in 2008… photo by Ian Byington.

It was sad to hear that longtime islander Cathy Cavanagh has cancer, but she’s getting treated at the hospital here on the island with the cheerful but determined attitude she brings to most things. I’ve know Cathy since I came to the island, and it’s easy to feel she has the spirit for this.

Friends of hers have pulled together a way you can help, too – here’s more:

Many of you know that our beloved CPA, community volunteer and wonderful friend has recently been diagnosed with cancer.  A fund to assist Cathaleen Cavanagh with her “out of pocket” medical expenses for cancer treatments has been set up at Islanders Bank at 225 Blair, Friday Harbor or the Orcas Branch, 475 Fern Street, Eastsound.

Checks should be made out to the “Cathaleen T. Cavanagh Cancer Fund.” The proceeds from this fund will be used only for the direct medical expenses not covered by Insurance.  Any donations that exceed Cathy’s out-of-pocket expenses will be gifted to “Peace Island Volunteers” to help them continue their mission in assisting our local Peace Island Medical Center patients with their clinic and other medical needs.

The family and many friends of Cathy sincerely appreciate your concerns, good wishes financial assistance.

Sincerely,
Family and friends for the Cathy T. Cavanagh Cancer Fund 

Open house on Thursday –

• Check out the medical configuration of an Airlift Helicopter
• Watch Airlift in action: A rescue simulation
• Chat with Airlift’s Trauma Trained nurses and pilots
• Meet AirCare members and other supporters of Airlift Northwest
• Enjoy light refreshments

Thursday, July 25 from 4 to 6 pm – Graciously hosted by Pat and Stephanie O’Day at 353 OJ Ranch Boulevard. (Park on Petrich Road and take the shuttle to the house)

If you would like to learn more about Airlift Northwest’s lifesaving expert care, visit airliftnw.org. To RSVP for this event, or to receive driving instructions, or to learn more about AirCare, call 1-888-835-1599 or email [email protected]

Chris Teren is going to fly past Lime Kiln State Park and take an aerial photo to celebrate 100 years of Washington State Parks on Thursday evening. Check it out!

Click to enlarge

Songs of America and songs from a mother-son duo highlight San Juan Community Theatre’s July 25 edition of its Night Music Summer Concert Series.

The live music inside the intimate Gubelman Theatre features Songs from an American Songbook from Ian Byington and Mother-Son Acoustic Duo Gretchen Gubelman and Beau Borrero.

Byington says the roots of his set of the concert are from New Orleans, Oregon, Alabama, and in nearly 20 years of his living on a beautiful island in the Pacific Northwest.

Gubelman and Borerro have been singing together since Beau was a baby–they sing a brand of “folk-funk-funny” that will definitely make folks laugh, and might even make them cry.

The Night Music series continues weekly through August 8, with a variety of musical styles showcased. The live music starts at 8:00 p.m., with a social hour in the Steele Memorial Garden (complete with special chocolate desserts, wine and beer available for purchase) from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Each evening is limited to 70 guests; all tickets are $10 each per concert.

The Business Partner for the series is Islanders Bank. The SJCT Box Office is open Tuesdays-Fridays, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and one hour before any performance. Call 360-378-3210, or surf to www.sjctheatre.org.

The 4th Annual Friday Harbor Airport Fly-In and Open House is this Saturday, July 27th.

One of America’s favorite flying destinations, Friday Harbor Airport draws more than its share of interesting aircraft, including antiques, warbirds, and homebuilts.

Click for larger version

In each of the previous three years spectators have enjoyed the exciting fly-bys of rare aircraft from both the Heritage Flight Museum in Bellingham and Historic Flight at Paine Field in Everett. The popular Blackjack Squadron will be back with their impressive formation arrival and landing.

Several hangars will be open with displays and activities, including face painting and free gliders for the kids. Register to win free airplane and helicopter rides.

The day starts at 8:00 with a pancake breakfast. The show starts at 10:00 and ends at 3:00. For lunch you can choose among burgers, pizza, brats, ice cream and popcorn.

Admission and parking are free, as well as a specially-marked shuttle from downtown Friday Harbor. The only way to spend money is on food, souvenirs and biplane rides. For more information and to watch a video of last year’s Fly-In check out the blog: www.fridayharborflyin.blogspot.com

******PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN LOCATION FROM BRIGGS LAKE*******

Behind the scenes at Lime Kiln State Park, Saturday, July 27, 2013, 1-4pm.

Meet with Erin Corra of FOLKS (Friends of Lime Kiln Society) and S.J. County Land Bank Steward Doug McCutchen to learn some intriguing and enlightening background information on our State Park: its management aspects, lighthouse restoration, park partnerships, native history and the celebration of this State Park Centennial year.

Terrain will be park trail with some uneven footing. Rating is moderate. Length is 1.5 mi.loop.
Dogs on leashes welcome. Park Discovery Pass or day pass necessary.
Rain or shine. Information at www.sanjuanislandtrails.org.

Just got this notice in the email inbox from Mack over at WM McCauley Gallery. That’s the new one at 232 A St. across from Market Chef…

Hi,

We are excited about the new show we will be opening this coming Saturday. Joe Miller has been painting and teaching painting on San Juan Island for 30 years now, is highly respected by island artists and art lovers, and has not shown his work here in nearly a decade.

I’ve attached an image of his painting “Concludance” which is a 38″x32″ oil on panel painting.

Also attached is a press release about our upcoming show with Joe and highly respected Lopez Island artist Joenelle Johnson. We would certainly appreciate any coverage you can give us, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thanks!

Mack

San Francisco icon Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks’ hoppin’ folk jazz sounds will get to initiate an enhanced sound system at San Juan Community Theatre on Saturday, July 27.

The new system is thanks to an upgrade from Lynnwood’s Morgan Sound made possible by a generous bequest from the late Dodie Gann. That upgrade includes a new set of speakers aimed at the balcony as well as the addition of left and right main speakers, giving the Whittier Theatre full stereo capabilities.

“These upgrades will really enhance our sound for our live performances and films,” said SJCT production manager John Shaller.

In addition, the Whittier’s sound board has been moved up a few feet from under the balcony so operators can more easily listen for any needed sound adjustments.

Re-enactors from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada will once again celebrate peace as they gather for the 15th Annual Encampment scheduled Saturday and Sunday, July 27-28 on the English Camp parade ground.

Encampment 2013 is free. Disabled persons should call the park at (360) 378-2240, ext. 2233, or 378-4409 for special access information.

The weekend includes recreations of mid-19th century Royal Marine Light Infantry and U.S. Army camp life, demonstrations of music, blacksmithing, spinning and weaving, sewing, cooperage and carpentry, along with the pageantry of period uniforms in scarlet and blue. Black powder rifled musket demonstrations and the firing of howitzer also are planned both days.

Saturday (July 27) activities will culminate in the Candlelight Ball, scheduled at 8 p.m., in the English Camp barracks. The public is invited to join in the dancing and refreshments that will include the traditional cake and punch. Music for contra dancing will be provided by the Pig War Band. Continue Reading

Carving his way through a number of genres for the past six decades, singer-songwriter Dan Hicks is widely considered one of the central figures in American roots music. On Saturday, July 27, Friday Harbor is treated to that talent as Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks bring their national tour to San Juan Community Theatre at 8:00 p.m.

Since the early 1960s, Hicks has blended elements of jazz, swing, folk and country music to create his own unique “Folk Jazz” sound. Add that to his lyrical styling, laid-back vocalizing, infamous on-stage wit and snappy dressing…and you have a true original.

Musically, Dan started as a drummer, becoming the drummer for a San Francisco folk-rock group called The Charlatans. Later forming the Hot Licks, he recorded five groundbreaking and Billboard-charting records and collaborated with artists like Rickie Lee Jones, Elvis Costello, Brian Setzer and Tom Waits. In fact, Waits has said of Hicks:
“Dan Hicks is fly, sly, wily and dry!”

Today, Dan tours worldwide with an updated version of the Hot Licks and occasionally performs gigs at various jazz venues in the San Francisco Bay Areas as a vocalist with his swinging combo Bayside Jazz. His most recent album, released this spring, celebrates his 70th birthday, live at San Francisco’s Davies Hall, where he was joined by a number of musical friends, including Rickie Lee Jones, Harry Shearer, Maria Muldaur, Van Dyke Parks, Tuck and Patti, John Hammond and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott.

The Business Partner for the concert is PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center. Tickets are $34 for adults, $17 for student reserved and $5 student RUSH at the door. The SJCT box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased on-line at www.sjctheatre.org

Just a reminder that next weekend is your last chance to see The Taming of the Shrew on the Roche Harbor set.

After Roche they move to 1062 Wold Road and play Fridays – Sundays at 8:00 pm through August 18th.

Island Stage Left
1062 Wold Rd
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

(360) 378-5649
stageleft [@] centurytel [.] net
www.islandstageleft.org

The SJISD was pleased to see the beginning stages of funding improvements for K-12 education, particularly in the area of pupil transportation, materials and supplies, and learning program support. However, the legislature has a long way to go to meet its paramount duty to fully fund K-12 education as seen in the McCleary lawsuit. Additional needed revenue is estimated to be over 4 billion dollars state wide over the next two biennia. We have a long way to go to fully fund public education in WA State.

Click here for more (PDF)

The National Park Service has announced a series of public meetings with the final one on Wednesday, July 31, 5 to 7 pm, at the Brickworks in Friday Harbor. These are opportunities for the general public to learn about the planning process for both the Mitchell Hill and Westcott Bay additions to English Camp and provide initial comments about the future of these special places.

There will be earlier meetings for equestrian trail users (Tuesday, July 23, 5 to 7 at the Brickworks) and bicycle trail users (Wednesday, July 24, 5 to 7 at the Brickworks) to offer their vision and concerns about uses of the Mitchell Hill area.

All members of the public are welcome at all three meetings.