Posted May 23, 2013 at 5:27 am by Tim Dustrude
Just heard that Jim Maya’s Westside Charters won an award from TripAdvisor. Way to go Jim! Here’s the announcement he received:
TripAdvisor is delighted to recognize Maya’s Westside Charters with a 2013 Certificate of Excellence.
This prestigious award, which places you in the top-performing 10% of all businesses worldwide on TripAdvisor, is given to businesses that consistently earn high ratings from TripAdvisor travelers.
Posted May 23, 2013 at 5:11 am by Tim Dustrude
It’s back! It’s the San Juan Island Artists’ Studio Tour. Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. A self-guided tour with 15 artists’ studios and 40 guest artists. Free! Information, maps and brochures are available at www.sanjuanislandartists.com, many businesses in Friday Harbor and at the SJI Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center.
Posted May 22, 2013 at 5:45 am by Tim Dustrude
Marty Robinson at the elementary school sends over this invitation…
Geoffrey Castle to perform in Friday Harbor
Violinist Geoffrey Castle will be here on May 31st to put on a dynamic assembly for our elementary school students. He will then follow up with some violin workshops as well. Then on the evenings of May 31st and June 1st, he will perform in concert at San Juan Community Theater to benefit the FHES Arts Program. Geoffrey has played all over the world and he puts on a show you and your family will never forget.
Tickets are now on sale at SJCT and in our FHES main office. This could be substantial if we sell enough tickets, so please spread the word to buy your tickets NOW! The FHES arts program is partially self-supporting.
See more info here on SJCT’s website.
Posted May 22, 2013 at 5:35 am by Tim Dustrude
The San Juan County Council announced their unanimous decision today to offer the position of County Manager to Michael Thomas, currently the City Administrator for the City of Enumclaw, Washington.
Council member Bob Jarman praised Thomas for his background in economic development and community planning, citing that it will be critical in addressing the land use and planning issues the County faces. Jarman also said that Mike Thomas will be a great addition to the Council team.
Member Rick Hughes spoke of Mike’s experience and familiarity with the laws of Washington State – and said he was very pleased that Thomas will be moving here with his family, including two school age children.
Council Chair Jamie Stephens detailed the steps that had been taken in the recruitment process, citing the strong roster of finalists provided by the recruiter. Stephens thanked the members of the community and staff who participated in the selection process and said he hoped Mike will be able to join the County staff the last week in June. Stephens said Mike’s collaborative team approach will work well here, and that he appreciated that Mike’s style was to work with councils and department heads to help them get their work done, rather than directing them.
Michael Thomas will be the first regular County Manager under the changes to the County Charter approved by voters in November, 2012. Bob Jean has been the Interim County Administrator, then the Interim County Manager, since last June.
There were 44 applicants for the position, with 5 currently residing in the County. The recruiting firm of The Prothman Company screened the candidates and presented the County Council with a list of semifinalists. The Council selected a list of finalists to interview, including one local candidate who then withdrew from consideration prior to the interviews.
On Monday, May 13th, the five candidates visited County facilities and met with islanders and answered questions at open houses held on Orcas Island, Lopez Island and San Juan Island. On Tuesday, May 14th, the candidates were interviewed by separate panels made up of County residents, County staff, and the County Council. The Council then held an executive session on Wednesday, May 15th, to interview the two top candidates. The Council met today in executive session to discuss the qualifications of the top candidates and then moved into open session for their deliberations and selection.
Posted May 22, 2013 at 5:30 am by Tim Dustrude
Meet Tyrone, this week’s Pet of the Week
This little fella is Tyrone. He arrived with his buddy and possible litter-mate, “Cleetus” from California last week. We think Tyrone and Cleetus are about 6 months old – they have lots of puppy spunk and love to play, play, play… followed by some serious napping and snuggling. These guys probably won’t get too much bigger as they are Chihuahua mixes of some kind. Stop by the shelter to meet these sweet-natured boys! 111 Shelter Drive. (360) 378-2158.
Posted May 21, 2013 at 11:09 am by Tim Dustrude
Just got this message from Susan and Scott at the bowling alley:
Summer bowlers are needed to fill out the Monday night league. Summer League goes from May 20 until August 12th. We won’t play on Memorial Day and there’s still time for people to join and begin bowling on June 3. All bowlers are welcome regardless of ability or experience, and we encourage new bowlers to come and give it a try. You can join an existing team or form your own team of 4 bowlers. Each bowler establishes a handicap which levels the “friendly” competition and there are cash prizes on the last day of League.
Also we are excited about the new restaurant opening at the bowling alley on June 1. This makes League night also a fun night out with friends that can include dinner and drinks right at your table as you bowl.
It’s easy to sign up. Stop by (365 Spring Street) or give us a call (370-5667 ext 1) and let us answer your questions. Are you a new bowler, or haven’t bowled in a while? Scott gives lessons too!
Posted May 21, 2013 at 8:49 am by Tim Dustrude
Photo courtesy San Juan County Land Bank
Join Jane Wentworth of the Washington Native Plant Society and Doug McCutchen, San Juan County Land Bank Steward, to walk the Westside Preserve. Famous for its views of sunsets, marine wildlife and sweeping vistas, it is also home to one of the rarer and most bio-diverse habitats of our region. Meet and park at Lime Kiln Point State Park (Discovery or day pass required) to carpool to trailhead. Length is 1.25 mi. round trip. Terrain is rustic trail with some travel on county road. Difficulty rating is moderate. Dogs on leashes welcome. Rain or shine. Information at www.sanjuanislandtrails.org.
Saturday, May 25 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Posted May 21, 2013 at 5:50 am by Tim Dustrude
Newly elected board members attending the meeting and this year’s “Person Who Makes a Difference” award: (L to R) Ann Jarrell, Beverly Zapalac, Clare Kelm, Louisa Nishitani this year’s honoree, Diane Martindale, president elect, Leslie Viers, Audra Adelberger, secretary, Carol Baylis and Jill Johnson. Board members not in attendance: Vice president elect Susan Dehlendorf, treasurer Pat Curtin, Amanda Brast, Sarah Crosby, and Margie Doyle
The League of Women Voters of the San Juan’s elected their new board of directors for 2013-2014 at their Annual Meeting at Vinny’s Ristorante on May 13, 2013. The featured speaker, Necia Quast of San Juan Island, presented a riveting account of her experiences in the US Foreign Service and whose tenure included notable hardship postings such as the Republic of Tajikistan, Nigeria and Guyana.
The League also recognized two individuals as “Persons Who Make a Difference”, Louisa Nishitani for her volunteerism, outreach and activism most recently regarding potential damage to our marine environment should the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point be permitted.
“Person Who Makes a Difference” honoree, Louisa Nishitani, flanked by president elect Diane Martindale, and board member Ann Jarrell.
Also honored was Friday Harbor High School teacher Jim McNairy for his focus on civics education and responsible citizenship.
Recipient of the this year’s “Teacher Who Makes a Difference” award, Jim McNairy of Friday Harbor High School, addressing the League.
Posted May 21, 2013 at 5:45 am by Tim Dustrude
“Starfish” A photo from Two Windows by Tim Dustrude
There is a club forming for anyone interested in photography. Mary Haselow is the main organizer for it with help from Tim Dustrude (yes, me). We are hoping to find more people who would like to participate and even help organize and lead events. This is very easy – very low key and informal. You have an idea that would be fun to have a group walking around shooting pictures of? Let’s talk. (or email). So far there are about 7 – 10 members and we’ve had 2 meetings since January and 2 photo walks.
This coming Sunday we are getting together at Cattle Point for an extreme low tide Tide Pools Photo Shoot. Everyone is welcome. If you’re interested, please either send us a quick email or RSVP on the club website. You’ll want to wear some sturdy shoes for hiking down to the water from the lighthouse and for walking on all the slippery rocks. Check out the event page at that link above and we hope to see you there!
Posted May 21, 2013 at 5:31 am by Tim Dustrude
John Miller was at the blessing of Peace Island Medical Center on Saturday and he has these photos to share with you. Click here to see the gallery.
Posted May 21, 2013 at 5:31 am by Tim Dustrude
The Pig War
by Mark Holtzen
Local teacher and author Mark Holtzen will be available to sign and discuss his children’s book, The Pig War, in the Griffin Bay Bookstore on Saturday, May 25, 2013, from 2:00-4:00 pm. He hopes to share the story and book with kids, visitors, and also with local elementary teachers and librarians.
The Pig War is the story of a boy named Kell who goes to spend the summer on the remote Mobray Island with his curmudgeonly grandfather. Although he thinks his time is going to be a boring bust, he and his sister are quickly drawn into events from the island’s past—The Pig War of 1859.
Holtzen spent seven years writing The Pig War, a middle-grade novel for kids ages 9-13, using themes from the locally set Pig War conflict, a boundary dispute between the US and Great Britain. Holtzen spent time at the local Whiteley Center at Friday Harbor Labs working on the novel. A third grade teacher, he is currently in his fourteenth year of teaching at Seattle Country Day School.
Holtzen says The Pig War not only engages children, but all ages given the local setting and historical twists presented in the summer adventure. Many Northwest bookstores and libraries now carry the book, and Holtzen has materials and projects created by NW educators.
The Pig War was selected for the Kirkus Best of Indie Books list for 2012.
About the Author
Mark Holtzen grew up in the Pacific Northwest. At thirteen he took a bike trip to the San Juan Islands and has loved visiting ever since. He lives and teaches in Seattle.
Posted May 21, 2013 at 5:30 am by Tim Dustrude
Eileen Drath and Janis Betts, two of a large crew from the Trails Committee helping to make the newly-cut Airport Trail walkable in 2005 – John Dustrude photo
Volunteers are needed to help with construction of the loop trail being built at Peace Island Medical Center. The second work party will be held on Saturday, May 25th at 9:00 am. This destination trail is also a spur off the Airport Trail section of the American Camp Trail. This project is being done by volunteer labor with materials supplied by the Peace Island Volunteer (PIV) group.
Meet by the large rock pile near far parking area. If you’re driving, enter from the San Juan Valley Road entrance. If walking, you can come in from the Airport side. Wear sturdy clothes & boots. Bring water, snacks, gloves & small hand tools, such as clippers, loppers, hand saws, rakes. Work will last approximately 3 hrs. Next work party will be Saturday June 8th, then additional ones scheduled each following Saturday. Check the PIV web site for detailed info on the trail project & work party description. Please contact volunteer co-ordinator Cinda Pierce at cpiemna [@] rockisland.com or 370-5998 to sign up or with questions. We need 10 – 15 workers each session to complete the trail this summer. Thank you!
Posted May 20, 2013 at 5:50 am by Tim Dustrude
Orca on the Move – Susan Juul photo
Tillie the Orca caught a ride with San Juan Taxi today. Photo by Susan Juul. Thanks Susan!
Posted May 20, 2013 at 5:46 am by Tim Dustrude
J-Pod is back in the San Juans – Jim Maya photo
Jim Maya of Maya’s Westside Charters was out last week and got some great shots to share with you of the triumphant return of J-Pod after more than 70 days away and travelling down to the coast of California. Click here to see photos of them home again. Thanks for sharing Jim!
Posted May 20, 2013 at 5:40 am by Tim Dustrude
San Juan Island Grange #966 is sponsoring a program on Salt, Wednesday May 22, 2013 at the Grange Hall; the program begins at 7:00 pm, preceded by a potluck at 6:00 pm—all are welcome and encouraged to attend. Brady Ryan of San Juan Island Sea Salt will discuss some of the fascinating aspects of the only rock we eat. We will look at how it is produced, especially focused on artisan techniques, a bit of its history, science as well as the concept of merroir (terroirs’s marine counterpart). Brady will also outline a bit about their business, how it came about, and what niche it is seeking to hold. There will be a salt tasting for those (unlike Brady) that don’t have high blood pressure!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
San Juan Island Grange Hall
Program begins at 7pm, preceded by a 6pm potluck!
Posted May 20, 2013 at 5:19 am by Tim Dustrude
Here’s Rob Simpson with this month’s installment of the Conscientious Projector Series:
In response to many requests, I will have dvd copies of last month’s Ho’Oponopono / interview with Dr. Len for whomever wants one.
Monday, I had hoped we’d be watching the Disclosure film, but it turns out the DVD’s will not be out for another month. So, instead…we will be screening a brand-new film from Brave New Media productions.
The subject is “whistle-blowers.”
A whistle-blower is someone who finds corruption within our own government (or its contractors) and informs our government of the corruption. They do not “leak” secrets to an enemy.
Information concerning government behavior is offered to our own government, so that our own government may better live up to our Constitution and serve We The People.
Most US citizens regard them as heroes. Why is our government treating them like criminals?
Come to the library Monday at 7:00 to explore this issue in THE WAR ON WHISTLEBLOWERS. Thanks to Friends of the Library, free popcorn and refreshment will be available.
Hope you can make it. I look forward to you sharing your feedback and impressions.
All the best,
Rob Simpson