Don’t forget – it’s this coming Thursday…

Spend a lovely Solstice evening, the longest day of the year Thurs. June 20, from 6-9 pm cruising among the islands of San Juan Channel. Departing from Spring Street Landing at 6 pm so all aboard at 5:45 PM!! Cruise among the beauty of the islands, while enjoying the sizzling saxophone of Teddy Deane. Nibble on savory appetizers and sweet treats. Sip on refreshing beer from Island Hopping Brewery, white wine from Spring Street General Store and assorted beverages donated by San Juan Excursions.

Click to enlarge poster

The Friday Harbor Film Festival is being coordinated by the Pacific Islands Research Institute a 501c3 non-profit. Please check out our web page. The use of the M/V Odyssey has been generously donated by San Juan Excursions to help raise the necessary funds to host the Friday Harbor Film Festival on October 11-12-13, 2013. The theme of the Film Festival for this year is “STORIES OF THE PACIFIC RIM” and the purpose is to screen films that will ENTERTAIN, INSPIRE and ENLIGHTEN. Continue Reading

David Crain, the new Science teacher at FHHS and FHMS sends this letter:

An open letter of thanks,

As a newly planted teacher here on San Juan Island, I am continually impressed by the level of support that is shown to the education community here. From the first day before school through the various competitions I have taken your students to, your dedication to their exposure to quality education is awe inspiring.  I can say this because I know firsthand what a community looks like where education is not supported.

While I have enjoyed your encouragement and thanks for this first year here, I can tell you that without the support and direction from many of you, I would have spent this year barely keeping my head above water.  I would like to thank those people here and now.  In no particular order, I am deeply thankful for assistance from Fred Woods, Gordy Waite, Greg Sawyer, Jesse Visciglia, Jenny Wilson, Brook Landers, Kevin Cullen, Nina Page and Cecil Dent for their support to see how I’m doing, how I’m fitting in here and for their indelible energy and enthusiasm for the teaching profession.

I owe a great deal of thanks to Bob Tauscher for his energy, skill and dedication to the ROV club.  He turned a challenge into a fantastic team effort and readily took over when needed to keep the team on track.  Larry Wight deserves sincere recognition in mentoring me through this year to get me thinking about how to take big steps next year and in the years to come, conversations with him always bore fruit.

The San Juan Public Schools Foundation deserves tremendous praise for making it possible for us to attend both the ROV and Robotics class competitions.  Funding from this organization certainly goes a long, long way, but what I hope to convey is that the focus and dedication of the entire community is a welcome blessing.

Finally, from my experience, no note of thanks would be complete without acknowledging the administrative staff, both at the school and the district office.  They have put up with my naiveté, endless questions and frequent shenanigans with a smile on their face.  Connie, Janet, Marie, Dotty and Maude: thank you all.  Sorry about that day I forgot to get myself a sub!  😀

So thank you to all!

David Crain
Science Teacher
FHHS/FHMS

WaterWorks Gallery is pleased to present the oil paintings of Jamie Ellsworth and the bronze & mixed media sculptures of Barbara Duzan. Both artists, multiple dog owners themselves, convey the love of their canine friends with unique styles that exude love and humor.

“Parkside”, Oil, 24 x 36 by Jaime Ellsworth – click for larger version

Jaime Ellsworth, painter of dogs, cats and horses has a collection of creatures that range in size from very small to a couple of miniature horses. Jaime’s simplified color palette with her graphic portrayal of these animals conveys a sense of dignity, and perhaps humor that we humans find in our animal world. A look, a touch and a lick, our animals demand attention from all of our senses. Looking at Jaime’s work give us entrance into this private special world.

“Lucy”, Bronze, 8 x 6 x 9 by Barbara Duzan – click for larger version

Barbara Duzan, amazes us with her artistic versatility, whether she is beading an animal form that hangs on the wall, mixing up the Plaster of Paris for her mixed media works or is modeling the clay for a new bronze casting, Barbara continues her exploration in all these media with her animals. She will catch a puppy playing on their back, a trained circus dog balancing a hoop on a horse and a dog sitting quietly waiting for what is next. Her work is pleasing to touch and a delight for the eye.

Presented at the gallery on Saturday, June 22, at 2PM, Barbara and Jaime will walk us through their works, sharing the inspirations behind the process. Then from 4-7 PM the gallery hosts a reception for the artists.

The show runs until July 13. All artworks are featured on the gallery’s website. www.waterworksgallery.com

WaterWorks Gallery – San Juan Island’s première gallery for contemporary artwork. Established in 1985 with the concept of showcasing artists based in the San Juan Islands and the Pacific Northwest.
The work of the gallery’s painters and sculptors reflects the unique Northwest experience. Artists and their visions evolve and change, stimulated by the changing times we live in.

For additional info contact:

Ruth Offen

WaterWorks Gallery
315 Argyle st
PO Box 28,
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
360.378.3060
360.317.8262 cell
www.waterworksgallery.com

Jason surveys his company’s new digs 2 weeks ago

Discovery Sea Kayaks (on Facebook here) has moved to 260 Spring St. or “Jeri’s Mall”, into the space where San Juan Jewels was, at the front of the building, next to the San Juan Hotshop. Jason Gunter and business partner Richard Swanson say they are very excited to have a new location, closer to where it’s all at with a much more visible store front. They’ll have more space, and will also have an easier time loading their customers out through the back in the newly paved parking lot behind the building. That’s Jason above, overseeing the interior renovations a couple weeks ago. And the photo below shows how the store looks now.

New ceiling, new lighting, new paint, new carpet… all makes for a great new location.

So you know that San Juan Jewels moved, but did you know it has new owners? John King and his wife Sarah bought the business, and they’ve moved from the front of the building, down the hall on the left in between Vinny’s Pizza and the Jerky place. John says they will keep many of the same items that the store had before including watch battery replacement, but will be also be doing appraisals, custom jewelry design, onsite repairs while-you-wait, and higher end upscale jewelry as well. Previously, John operated a store in California for sculptor Bernard K. Passman and has run galleries in Las Vegas. He’s been in business here at his new location for just over a week now.

New owner John King designs custom jewelry on site at the new location of San Juan Jewels

There’s a new stop sign in town

Be aware – there’s a new STOP sign in town. Hawk-eyed Update reader Lisa Anderson files this report:

The crowd enters the building as Brickworks’ doors are opened to the public for the first time

A large crowd showed up for the grand opening of Brickworks Saturday afternoon. After a dedication ceremony with words from Stephen Robbins, Susie Wampler, Mayor Carrie Lacher, Boyd Pratt, and Brickworks Manager Tanja Williamson among others, the doors were opened and everyone got to see the beautiful interior, and admire the fruits of so many volunteers’ labor.

Click here for more photos… Continue Reading

The House Special pizza at the Good Karma Kafe

I’m re-posting this story for 2 reasons: One – I just had some pizza at this place and it was awesome. So good I took a picture to share with you. And two – I must apologize – Not only did I spell Merrie’s name wrong on the photo caption when I first posted this back in May, but also, I got her name entirely wrong when I referred to her as “Betty” down in the first paragraph of the story. Good news is she got a good chuckle out of it (her mother in law’s name is Betty) and said no harm done. The original story is below.

There’s a new restaurant in town down at the bowling alley. It’s called the Good Karma Kafe. Merrie Roop is the owner and is back on the island again. She’s been working the past 19 years or so at Albertson’s grocery store in Lynnwood, and says she and her husband just had to come back to the island.

Merrie Roop opened her new restaurant, the Good Karma Kafe on June 8th, down at the bowling alley

The family-friendly restaurant is open for lunch and dinner with menu items such as burgers, pizza, soups & salads, and such.

Drop by and say hello!

Congratulations to Stillpoint School’s Class of 2013! On June 6, 2013, 6th graders Ula Grace and Isabella Davis graduated from Stillpoint School. The graduates were awarded diplomas after the Promotion and Graduation Ceremony, which was followed by an outdoor reception. This year’s Graduation was especially meaningful, as Ula Grace has attended Stillpoint School since its establishment 6 years ago. Congratulations and very best wishes, Ula and Isabella!

Stillpoint School
San Juan Island’s private Elementary school
www.StillpointSchool.org

Peter Goddu and a visitor spray a floating target with the water cannon on the fire boat “Confidence”

Just in case you missed National Marina Day at the port last Saturday, here is a photo of Peter Goddu, the captain of the F/B Confidence with a visitor from Tacoma manning the spray nozzle.  Several children and adults tried their hands at this during the afternoon. And there were smiles all around.

Lots happening this weekend. Let’s check it out:

Saturday Farmer’s Market will run from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM as usual, and Candace from Snowberry Farm says there will be Free bike tune-ups at the market, together with food, produce, music, and more.

A few of the lunch offerings at the new SJI Cheese Shop

Nate at the Presbyterian Church says that Saturday from 11am-1pm they will be holding a Car Wash at the Whidbey Island Parking Lot to help island youth raise money for a mission trip to serve the Nez Perce Reservation this summer.

The new Cheese Shop officially opens its doors for business Saturday at 11:00 AM as well. Here is a sampling of some of the sandwiches they will offer. They are on Nichols Street right across from Brickworks.

And speaking of Brickworks – The official Grand Opening of Brickworks happens Saturday as well, right after the Saturday Market. Festivities begin at 2:00 with a Pie Social.

Brickworks Grand Opening Saturday, June 15th, 2:00 PM

Click to enlarge poster

It will be a good time to check out the new wines at San Juan Vineyards with their Summer Barrel Tasting Event from noon to 4:00 PM out at their Roche Harbor Road location. Check out the poster at right.

The documentary movie “WAR ON WHISTLEBLOWERS “will be shown Saturday at 7:00PM at the library as part of the Tragedy of the Commons Film Series hosted by Ken Crawback. Free popcorn and beverages will be available thanks to Friends of the Library.

The San Juan Island Marathon is on Sunday morning, and they may still be looking for volunteers, so check that out if you would like to donate some time or if you would just like to watch all the runners.

The San Juan Island Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K is this Sunday, June 16th. Volunteers are needed to man the aid stations. Fun time. Weather will be perfect. Sign-up at San Juan Fitness or on their Facebook Page. More information is available on their website as well.

Liz Varvaro of the High School’s Food For Thought program would like to thank you for your support at all the Community Dinners this past year and announces a record turn out at the final one last Wednesday…

This was the scene at the final Community Dinner of the season, an outdoor BBQ, last Wednesday – Click for a larger image. Do you see yourself in the photo?

A VERY warm thank you to all!

Record turn out of over 550 people and the event was a success! We are always in awe of the support we receive and appreciate all of the positive feedback. It’s a ton of work and it such a busy time of the year and you all make it SO worth it!

We look forward to our next Community Dinner in October. Have a great Summer and see you all in the Fall!

Regards,

The Food for Thought Team

It’s this coming Saturday, right after the Saturday Market – Brickworks Grand Opening Celebration and a Pie Social along with it. Check out the official announcement here (PDF)

The San Juan Island Community Foundation is pleased to announce its award of scholarships for the 2013/2014 academic year to former and present San Juan Island high school students. Awards were made to both continuing college students, high school students graduating this year, and individuals pursuing career training.

The following awards have been made to graduates of Spring Street International School, Friday Harbor High School and home schooled. (Click to view PDF)

They still need volunteers for this Saturday at the new trail they’re building at PIMC. See this post for info, and just substitute this coming Saturday for the date. Here’s a drawing of where the trail is going to be. Pretty cool stuff they’re doing!

Dotted line shows the route for the new PIMC Loop Trail spur off of the Airport Trail – Click to see it larger

The County-owned parking lot on 2nd Street, adjacent to the San Juan County Courthouse in Friday Harbor, will be closed for resurfacing from 9 a.m. Sunday, June 16, until Wednesday, June 26.

The lot had originally been scheduled to close Saturday morning, however the County Public Works Department has pushed back the date in order to allow parking for a Saturday evening performance at the Community Theatre.

The County Public Works Department now asks that drivers remove all vehicles from the lot  by Sunday Morning, June 16th. Any cars remaining in the lot on that date will be cited and towed at the owner’s expense, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

During the lot closure, County employees are being encouraged to carpool or use alternative means of transportation. The Town has agreed to suspend the posted parking hours in designated spaces during the parking lot closure.

The school year ends June 13th, so additional on street parking should be available on Blair Avenue; however parking for County employees will not be permitted in the school parking lot on Guard St.

Public Works Director Frank Mulcahy said the project is weather dependent. If the weather is cooperative, the lot may be re-opened sooner.