Welcome to Wednesday morning everyone! How about a nice sunrise to greet your day? This was shot by Aaron Shepard Tuesday morning. Thanks for sharing Aaron!

“Mount Baker Sunrise Through Maple” – Aaron Shepard photo

Vicky Taylor – new Wildlife Rehabilitator at Wolf Hollow – Contributed photo

Earlier this month Wolf Hollow welcomed Vicki Taylor, who moved from Boise, Idaho to become their new Wildlife Rehabilitator. Vicki graduated from the University of Idaho in 2008 with a degree in Wildlife Resources and Conservation Biology. Her previous animal care experience includes work at a bird rehab. center in Idaho, an exotic animal sanctuary in Nevada and at The Wildlife Center of Virginia. She is settling in to her new home in Friday Harbor and working hard to learn as much about Wolf Hollow as possible before the busy Baby Season starts (which could happen any time!)

If you see Vicki around town be sure to say hello!

San Juan Island School District invites public input on the 2013-2014 Draft Academic Calendar. To access the calendar and an email link for public comment, please go to our website at http://www.sjisd.wednet.edu and click on “Public comment – next year’s calendar” at the top of Site Shortcuts.

Or please feel welcome to call Maude Cumming, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent at 378-4133 to receive a hard copy or emailed copy. Please note that this is a DRAFT calendar and subject to change until it is approved by the Board of Directors in late April.

Pints for Prostates

The Friday Harbor chapter of US TOO International is pleased to present a men’s health awareness event. Pints for Prostates will be reaching men through the universal language of beer at the Rumor Mill on April 3 starting at 7 p.m.

The event will include live music featuring the Play-Rite Boys and the Duo-Tones, and information will be available for men about the importance of early detection. There will be a raffle with a prize of a 10 day European Beer Adventure in September that visits Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne and Dusseldorf.

The Friday Harbor chapter meets the 4th Monday of every month at 6 PM at the Mullis Community Senior Center, providing men and their families with fellowship, peer counseling and timely, personalized, unbiased and reliable information about prostate cancer, enabling informed choices about detection, treatment options, and quality of life after treatment.

Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network is a non-profit education and support group organization with more than 325 chapters throughout the world.

SJC Council Community Conversation

Victoria Compton over at the San Juan Economic Development Council wants you to know about these upcoming events:

April 2, 3, or 4 – Conversation Three: Economy & Jobs
#1 What do we want the County’s future economy to look like?

• How can we grow family-wage jobs?
• Can we attract cottage industries & still maintain our rural character?
• Can we broaden the economy beyond tourism?
• What is agriculture’s role in our economy beyond food?

#2 What should the County’s role be in supporting our
local economy? Will current County policies support
the economy and sustain services into the future?

• Should land use policies be modified to enable business-es and to expand?
• Should funding for Economic Development and new business opportunities be increased?

Tues. April 2 Orcas Fire Hall 6-9 pm
Wed. April 3 Lopez Arts Center 6-9 pm
Thurs. April 4 SJ/FHHS Commons 6-9 pm

April 16, 17, or 18 – Conversation Four: Priorities of Government

#1 To achieve our Quality of Life vision where would you increase or decrease current County services?

• Law Enforcement/Courts/Prosecutor?
• Emergency management?
• Public Health?
• Social Services (seniors, mental health, etc.)?
• Growth management?
• Environmental protection?
• Economic development?

#2 Growing the economy to broaden the tax base will take years. Meanwhile costs continue to rise faster than the 1% increase allowed in County property tax revenue. Should property taxes and the services they support:

• Increase slightly?
• Stay the same? Or
• Decrease slightly?

Tues. April 16 Orcas Fire Hall 6-9 pm
Wed. April 17 Lopez Arts Center 6-9 pm
Thurs. April 18 SJ/FHHS Commons 6-9 pm

Note: If you missed the first 2 conversations, you can catch up at www.sanjuanco.com/conversation

And as long as we’re on the subject of the EDC….

The San Juan County Economic Development Council will present a FREE half-day workshop for small businesses and entrepreneurs on San Juan Island, on Wednesday, April 3, from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

The business and financing workshop course material will be presented by James McCafferty, of the Economic Development Association of Skagit County, a management consultant for over a decade.

As part of the workshop, McCafferty will cover business financing, discuss a variety of financing options and will provide a reality check for those considering a new or expanded business venture. He will be available for one-on-one consultation after the workshop.

Participants in the workshop will leave with the resources and support they need to create a business plan including a realistic financial plan. In addition, McCafferty will cover current federal and Washington State tax incentive programs for small businesses.

Details: Wednesday, April 3, from 8:30 a.m. until noon. The class will be held at the San Juan Island Library in the meeting room.

Advance registration required. Call (360) 378-2906 to reserve your space, or email: info [@] sanjuansedc.org.

The EDC thanks the San Juan Island Library, San Juan County government, the Town of Friday Harbor, the Port of Friday Harbor and the Port of Lopez for supporting our Business Education Series.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council’s Business Education Series was created by the EDC in response to concerns from local business owners and overall increased demand from new businesses. This series will present a variety of business topics designed for both those opening a new business or those wanting to take their business to the next level.
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.

A note came in from Stan Matthews over at the County offices about those ribbons on some trees in Odlin Park on Lopez. Don’t fret – they’re not cutting them down! Just clearing some dead limbs. Here’s Stan’s note:

As part of Odlin Park’s new campground development project, the San Juan County Parks Department contracted certified arborist/forester Carson Sprenger to assess the condition of the trees in an area of the park, and remove dead and hanging limbs from several of the old growth trees in that area.

Some Lopez Island residents and park users have contacted the Parks Department out of concern that trees marked with ribbons will be cut down. In fact, there are no plans to remove any of the trees.

Most of the trees that were marked simply needed to have dead limbs trimmed off; however the arborist found that two trees will require significant action because of their condition. One grand (white) fir and one Douglas fir were identified as having advanced disease and rot that risks their stability and are a potential risk to park users and facilities.

The Douglas fir near the park entrance, has velvet top fungus that likely entered the tree from an old fire scar. Because it has suffered a lot of rot in the bole (stem), the Parks department has authorized the arborist to reduce its height to lessen its risk of falling over on its own. At its current height its fall is capable of hitting the boat trailer parking and main park road as well as the new campground.

The grand (white) fir is suffering from an advanced rot and is unlikely to survive. The arborist will shorten that tree, but leave it standing, to create a wildlife snag.

The president signed the act this morning….

On March 25, 2013, President Obama designated the Rio Grande del Norte and San Juan Islands as National Monuments. These monuments are the newest additions to our National Conservation Lands. Three other national monuments were also designated. Photo courtesy of the White House.

And if you like, click here to view the Official Proclamation signed by the president.

Tippy is this week’s Pet of the Week

Meet Tippy Hedren!  Tippy came to the shelter almost a year ago, having spent several winters as a stray living underneath The Sweet Retreat.  The kind folks there fed her and looked after her but thought she deserved a better life and brought her to us to help her find her forever home.  She suffered a severe ear infection at one point which caused damage to some nerves in her neck, so her head has a permanent “tilt” to it, which makes her extra-special and very adorable.

Tippy has so much personality – she loves to play and snuggle and will give kisses once she gets to know you.  We think she is about 12 years old, but we know this sweet girl still has so much love to give.   She’d love to meet you!  Stop by the shelter at 111 Shelter Road or give us a call at 378-2158.

There was a good turnout for the annual Run Ladies Run 10K race and Half Marathon yesterday. John Miller was there and got some photos to share with you. And here are a few race results:

• Chelsea Bryant – first 10k finisher – 48:52
• Pam Stuart – first islander 10k finisher – 49:44
• Casey Swirtz – first islander 1/2 marathon finisher – 1:43:21
• Cady Seiler and daughter Maxine – first baby carriage finish
• Barbara Lord – 1/2 marathoner and SJI firefighter

Thanks for your help John!

(Click on photos to see them larger. How many people do you recognize?)

Last minute details before the Start – John Miller photo

…and they’re off! – John Miller photo

More photos after this link…

Continue Reading

First, Island Rec Adult Co-Ed Softball League:

Get your team ready! $375 per team if registered by April 24th and $400 thereafter. Pick up registration form and roster at the Island Rec office, 580 Guard St, Monday – Friday 1-5pm. Mandatory Captains Meeting April 24th. Practice will begin the first Sunday of May and games will begin mid June, Tuesday and Wednesday Evenings.
For more information call 378-4953 or visit www.islandrec.org

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Next, Here’s a message from San Juan Soccer’s Travis Ayers:

We’re getting closer to opening soccer signups for the fall. We really try and encourage early signups because it makes a huge difference in forming teams, etc. We will offer an Early Bird Discount as well as extended payment plans. Scholarships are available too; those details are still being worked on. I’ll post information here when the registration is open, but basically Early Bird deadline is May 31st, and registration closes July 13th. If you have any questions in the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact me at Ayers.Travis [@] gmail.com.

Thank you,
Travis Ayers
President – San Juan Soccer

And as long as we’re talkin’ sports, here’s a note from Island Rec about the recent Table Tennis Tournament last weekend:

Congratulations to Joe Kantor of Anacortes , Vince Streano of Anacortes, Tony Fyrvquist , and Walter Caldwell for being big winners in the Table Tennis Tournament this weekend in their divisions. Roger Paul took Second place in the tight final game against Joe Kantor. Roger won the tournament last year, 2012.

Thanks to everyone who participated and made it happen.

And thanks to Pablitos, Spring St. Deli, Mi Casita, The BBQ Shack, and Golden Triangle for Prize Donations.

Anacortes town crier Richard Riddell thanks the Sidney crowd for their hospitality, at Sunday’s celebration in Sidney, BC of the opening of the international run for Washington State Ferries.

This past weekend saw the annual celebration of the ferry that connects neighbors…and Josie and I were there:

Canadians in Sidney, BC turn out to greet the Chelan as it arrives on Sunday.

On Sunday, the Anacortes/Friday Harbor/Sidney, BC ferry ran for the first time this year, as Washington State Ferries’ northernmost route (and only international route) got underway for its nine-month season. The Chelan was greeted at the Sidney dock by over a hundred cheering Canadians, welcoming the Americans for the annual re-opening of the marine highway between the neighboring countries.

A short ceremony celebrated the friendship between the two nations and their shared border, as leaders from both sides of the water were greeted by Sidney town crier Kenny Podmore (in blue in the pictures). Anacortes town crier Richard Riddell replied in turn. The mayors of Sidney & Anacortes spoke, and Member of Parliament Elizabeth May (representing the Sidney area) was on hand to promise to do everything she could to keep the ferry route viable & running (she had just flown in from Montreal).

Sidney’s town crier Kenny Podmore greets Friday Harbor mayor Carrie Lacher on Sunday as Washington State Ferries’s Anacortes/Friday Harbor/Sidney run opened for the year. The once-a-day ferry route (twice-a-day during the summer) connects the neighboring countries.

Islanders in the crowd: Deborah Buchanan from the Visitors’ Bureau (with Carole Conran), Friday Harbor mayor Carrie Lacher (with husband & ex-County Council Howie Rosenfeld, who did years of ferry service-liaison work for the county), former County Council member (and candidate to regain her seat) Lovel & Boyd Pratt, former Town Council member Liz Illg & Janna Gingras, Chamber of Commerce executive director Tom Kirschner & events coordinator Rebecca Parks, and a few other island friends.

The annual celebration is sponsored by Sidney’s Sister City Association, as Sidney & Anacortes are sister cities.

Sidney’s Member of Parliament (and head of the national Green Party) Elizabeth May offered rousing assurance that she would work with the government of Canada to protect and preserve the international ferry run. She is joined by the two Canadian town criers (Victoria’s Robert Alexander, left, and Sidney’s Kenny Podmore) at the celebration Sunday.

We haven’t heard from Chef Hobbes in a while have we? Let’s see what he’s up to…

Mmmmmmmm! Clam Linguine! Click it and you’ll almost be able to taste it!

This is my all time favorite pasta!  Pasta Vongole or clam pasta…

Recipe for two:

• Linguine pasta
• 2 pounds fresh, local clams, washed and soaked
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 leek, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 c Italian parsley, chopped
• 1 tiny pinch of saffron
• pinch chili flakes
• butter
• olive oil
• extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 c white wine
• 1/4 c veggie stock
• salt and pepper
• parmesan cheese

First get the pasta cooking in salted water.

Place a large pan that has a lid, over medium heat with a little olive oil and butter.  When the oil’s hot add the onions, leek and garlic.  Cook until soft but not brown.  Season with a little salt and pepper and add the saffron and chili flakes.

Pour in the wine and reduce by half, then do the same with the stock.  When done, add the clams and half of the parsley.  Place the lid on.  These little guys will cook and open in seconds, don’t over cook them!

Drain the pasta and return it to the pan with lots of extra virgin olive oil. Serve onto warm plates and add the cheese and parsley and more olive oil if needed.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

“Raggedy Man” is former islander Clyde Curley’s just-released first novel.

Griffin Bay Bookstore is excited to host a special event for former San Juan Islander, Clyde Curley, and his debut novel, Raggedy Man, Saturday, April 6, 7:00 pm at Griffin Bay Bookstore. Islanders who are acquainted with Clyde Curley as a musician shouldn’t miss this chance to hear him talk about, and read from his just-released novel.

Detectives Mathew Toussaint and Missy Owens search through the damp chill of a Portland February morning for clues about the death of a young drifter, found under one of the city’s many bridges. The victim? Ben Foeller, the errant son of Portland’s premier dynastic family. With the help of Toussaint’s bookstore-owning brother, Parker, the detectives wade through multiple clues to narrow down their river of suspects: a drug dealer, an East Coast art collector, a political radical, a used car salesman, and members of Foeller’s own family.

“This police procedural is long on character development, plotting, and atmosphere. The author… clearly loves the power of story and invokes everything from Greek tragedy to American doggerel as he weaves this tale of murder, corruption, and family dysfunction. Curley has talent for creating atmosphere and developing characters.”
– Barbara McMichael (The Bookmonger), Bellingham Herald.

Raggedy Man received Honorable Mention for general fiction at the 2013 Great Northwest Book Festival.

About the author

This is Clyde Curley’s first novel. He comes to it after a lifetime as an avid reader and deep appreciator of fiction of all sorts. Clyde earned a B.A. and a California Teaching Credential at San Francisco State College (followed later by an M.A.T. from Portland State University) and went on to a 31-year career teaching high school in Oregon. He chaired the English Department at Milwaukie High School and taught Special Ed. Language Arts to ninth-graders and Honors Survey of English Literature to twelfth-graders. An avid folk musician, he resides with his wife, Susan, in Bellingham, Washington.

It was cool to hear from Barbara Marrett at the Vistors’ Bureau that Friday Harbor was selected as one of the great artists’ town in the US – here’s the writeup of “America the Beautiful – The United States Destination Marketing Agency” & their Top Ten.

And that’s not all!

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There are three billboards near Albuquerque, NM with islander Barbara Dollahite’s pictures….wow!

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Lavelle on sale in Victoria….

Just the other day I was working in the office in Victoria, listening to islander Lavelle’s CD, as we always do when we want a laidback background thing going on…and then I took some visitors to The Royal BC Museum up the street, and they sell her album!

Cool! (Hustle down to Island Studios & get your copy….you’ll be glad you did!)

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Speaking of traveling around & seeing great art, you have the San Juan Island Artists’ Studio Tour on the calendar, right? It’s the first week of June this year, and it’s the 22nd annual happening…it’s great to get the chance to see the amazing work, the amazing artists, and the amazing places the art is created. You’ll love it!

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And…check out sculptor Jason Napier’s work here.

Jason Napier puts the last touches on a new sculpture – “Hareborne” – for the Arizona Fine Arts Festival this week….