[Ed. note – This story, originally published on Feb. 25, has been updated to include the photos below]

You remember Hannah Snow right? FHHS graduating class of 2010; Member of the winning Orca Bowl team that year; Well, she’s moved on to the University of Washington and works the Orca Bowl from that side of things now in between studying Civil Engineering with an Oceanography minor. Today she sends us a good news report from this year’s Orca Bowl – Way to go “A Team” and “B Team!” Here’s Hannah with the story:

Team ‘A’ Left to Right: Libby Snow, Gavin Guard, Michael Barsamian & Emily Guard – Contributed photo

After 10 intense hours of competition, FHHS ‘A’ Team and FHHS ‘B’ Team wrapped up the day as 2nd and 4th place in Washington’s National Ocean Sciences “Orca Bowl.” Returning players Libby Snow, Emily Guard, Gavin Guard, and Michael Barsamian of the ‘A’ Team fought hard to the very end, narrowly missing 1st place by one buzzer question to Garfield High School’s ‘A’ Team.

Team ‘B’ Left to Right: Conrad Bormann, Max Haenel, Ellery Van Dassow & Kori Rasmussen – Contributed photo

The ‘B’ Team also made a very admirable 4th place, considering this is the first ever Orca Bowl for players Max Hanel, Conrad Bormann, Kori Rasmussen, and Ellery Von Dassow. The ‘A’ team was awarded an expedition with Foss Waterway Seaport aboard an educational dive boat for placing second in the competition.

Though the marine science trivia questions range from the very relevant to slightly obscure, Orca Bowl is a fun way for high school students to increase their depth of knowledge about oceanography/fisheries sciences, interact with volunteer students and professionals working in these fields, and to learn about pursuing marine sciences in their continued education.

Again, great job FHHS and see you next year!

– Former FHHS Orca Bowler/Current Orca Bowl UW Volunteer, Hannah Snow.

Special one night performance with Lloyd Jones at the Rumor Mill Friday, March 1st

Wow… Check out his rap sheet:

Portland, Oregon roots artist Lloyd Jones has recorded six critically acclaimed albums, toured internationally, and racked up dozens of major awards and accolades. He’s a relentless road dog, hitting festival stages, Delbert’s annual Sandy Beaches Cruises (he’s been a regular on six winter cruises), and clubs all across the land to enthusiastic crowds who can’t get enough of his swampy blues, his backporch picking, his serious-as-anthrax funk, soul, roadhouse two-beats, and old-school rhythm and blues (back before the R&B tag was somehow appropriated for other musical purposes, apparently when we weren’t looking). Yet he may be the most invisible, best-kept roots/blues/Americana secret on the contemporary scene. Continue Reading

Check out this press release from the National Park Service…

San Juan Island National Historical Park tourism creates $18 million in local economic benefit and is part of a $30 billion impact that supports 252,000 jobs nationwide.

The Visitor Center at American Camp – John Dustrude photo

A new National Park Service (NPS) report for 2011 shows that the 266,717 visitors to San Juan Island National Historical Park spent $18 million in communities surrounding the park. This spending supported 251 jobs in the local area.
“San Juan Island National Historical Park is a wonderful place to learn about America’s story,” said park superintendent Lee Taylor. “We attract visitors from across the U.S. and around the world who come here to experience the park and then spend time and money enjoying the services provided by our neighboring communities and getting to know this amazing part of the country. The National Park Service is proud to have been entrusted with the care of America’s most treasured places and delighted that the visitors we welcome generate significant contributions to the local, state, and national economy.”

Formal garden, parade ground and blockhouse at English Camp – Tim Dustrude photo

Nearly 261,139 visitors were counted in the park in 2012, slightly down from 2011, although those are not factored in the current report.
The information on San Juan Island NHP is part of a peer-reviewed spending analysis of national park visitors across the country conducted by Michigan State University for the National Park Service. For 2011, that report shows $13 billion of direct spending by 279 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. That visitor spending had a $30 billion impact on the entire U.S. economy and supported 252,000 jobs nationwide.

Most visitor spending supports jobs in lodging, food, and beverage service (63 percent) followed by recreation and entertainment (17 percent), other retail (11 percent), transportation and fuel (7 percent) and wholesale and manufacturing (2 percent.)
To download the report visit www.nature.nps.gov/socialscience/products.cfm#MGM and click on Economic Benefits to Local Communities from National Park Visitation, 2011.
The report includes information for visitor spending at individual parks and by state.
To learn more about national parks in Washington State and how the National Park Service works with communities to preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide local recreation opportunities, go to www.nps.gov/washington.

-NPS-

It’s that time again… Please join us for a Mediterranean-inspired evening that will surely be memorable!  Enjoy a fun-filled night beginning with a silent auction, our student-made quilt raffle, and lovely tunes played by local musician Amanda Brast.  Your dining experience will include appetizers and traditional Spanish paella, followed with a musical performance by our amazing students.  Last, but not least, the evening will close with a homemade dessert auction!

Adults: $25 | Children 6-12: $10 | Children 5 & under: FREE
Purchase tickets online at: www.pcssji.org or call 378-8322 to reserve your seat!
Paella is a vibrant blend of fresh seafood, meats, vegetables, and rice. A vegetarian option is available.

Paideia Classical School (PCS)has served island families since 2001 and provides quality education for students from K-8th grade in a safe and respectful learning environment.  Proceeds from this event help PCS keep tuition affordable and provide tuition assistance to qualifying families.

Paideia Classical School’s Annual Dinner & Fundraiser
March 2, 2013 | Mullis Center – 589 Nash St. | 5:15 – 9:15 p.m.

Larry Wight (L) presents Bob Jamieson with a Plaque, a book and a gift certificate in recognition of 10 years of volunteer service – Tim Dustrude photo

What you probably do know is that Bob Jamieson is the fixed wing, night-time, medevac pilot for Island Air. What you maybe don’t know is that Bob has been teaching FAA Ground School to high school students for almost 10 years – AS A VOLUNTEER. He is retiring from teaching, having just finished his last class last month.

Bob Jamieson talks to the school board about his volunteer work and his plans for the future – Tim Dustrude photo

Wednesday night, Feb. 27 at right before the School Board meeting Larry Wight, the Career and Technology Education Director at the high school, took a few minutes to officially thank Bob for his service in front of the School Board.
Bob’s success in building a cadre of future pilots is amazing. Over 20% of his students have already obtained their licenses (or will in the very near future). When a student has shown skill and interest, Bob has offered extra class time, interviews with local pilots, and flight time in his own plane!
Here’s Larry with more:

“Why do I say, “…you, me, and the community?” Of course I think Bob deserves broad recognition since very few people are aware of his contribution. But I would also like to set Bob as an example towards which the rest of the community will be inspired to strive. If we had a few more people with relevant skills and his commitment, SJISD would surely be the best school in the State, if not more.”

Friday Harbor Baseball and Softball Association (FHBSA) announces that registration for this year’s youth softball and baseball season (Ages 5 – 14) is now open for on-line registration at www.fhball.org.  In person registration is happening after school at the elementary school Wednesday and Thursday of this week (Feb 27th and Feb 28th) from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.  If you have any questions you can reach Joel at 360-622-7033.
Joel Arnold President FHBSA

The fitness center is considering a salt water pool!

Yes, you read that right. A salt water pool may be easier on your skin. Sounds pretty cool. Here’s owner Paul Hopkins with the story:

San Juan Island Fitness is considering a conversion from their current and traditional chlorinated water to a Salt Pure® pool. State Health Code requires a minimum disinfectant (chlorine) level of 1.5 parts in the water. While a conversion to salt water would not eliminate this requirement, swimmers would notice an enhanced comfort level in the feeling and odor of the water.

“There are a lot of benefits to this conversion” says owner, Paul Hopkins. “Most who have swum in a Salt Pure® pool notice the absence of a chlorine odor and say it feels ‘smoother’ on their skin, eyes and hair. Many who have skin that is adversely affected by ordinary chlorine report no problems with a salt pool” he adds.

San Juan Island Fitness is currently soliciting comments from the public about a potential conversion. According to Hopkins, “this is a major financial decision for the Club. We want to know how many community members may begin or return to swimming should we move forward. While we are a private company, this is the only year-round, public access pool on the island, so we also see it as a community asset.” A special e-mail account has been set up for comments. Send them to saltpool [@] sanjuanislandfitness.com.

For more information or to comment, please e-mail:
saltpool [@] sanjuanislandfitness.com or call 378-4449.

Amy Wynn just sent this over so you can mark your calendar now:

Lacrosse Spaghetti Fundraiser Dinner Tuesday, March 5 from 5-7pm (before the winter Sports Awards) Masonic Lodge, tickets are $12 and you should buy yours from Nelson Wynn… call 378-2912 and we’ll hook you up with some tickets! …and they auction off awesome desserts so don’t miss this!

Jan over at the community theater just sent this notice for this upcoming Saturday. Here it is:

New Edition of San Juan Islanders Chamber Music Saturday, March 2

Nine musicians, a mezzo soprano, compositions from three islanders and international favorites including Mozart, Brahms and Verdi = a recipe for a one-of-a-kind music experience on San Juan Island.

Coming this Saturday, March 2nd at the Community Theater

MORE Melodious Notes Over the Harbor is presented at San Juan Community Theatre on Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. After a very successful premiere concert—Melodious Notes Over the Harbor— on the Whittier stage in 2012, San Juan Islanders Chamber Music organizer and clarinetist Sue Collado has gathered another diverse group of island and mainland musicians for the chamber concert.

“We’ve got some of the same friends playing and have added some new friends,” Collado said. The concert features pianists Sonja Zarek, Carol Hooper, Dorothy Baker and Grisha Krivchenia as well as newcomers cellist Sasha von Dassow, flutist Pam Stewart, French hornist Tom Grauman, bassoonist Pat Nelson and sixth generation San Juan Islander and mezzo soprano Kathleen Wilson. All of the Northwest residents will join Collado to share both the small group and solo pieces.

Also featured will be Krivchenia playing his own composition, “Piano Sonata No. 2,” and performances of Alex Shapiro’s “Re:pair” for clarinet and bassoon; and Richard Hieronymus’ new piece “When Love Comes to Stay” for clarinet, cello and piano.

Collado, who moved to the island from California more than two years ago says she’d been told there were many musical talents on the island and has been thrilled to uncover such a variety of them. “I keep meeting people and find out they’re great musicians, so off we go!” said Collado.

The Business Partner for the concert is Islanders Insurance. Tickets are $17 for adults, $8 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.

Co-Op Members Can Sign Up For Opalco Broadband: Internet And Phone Service
OPALCO’s member engagement effort is just starting and there is plenty of time to ask questions and give feedback on the plan to bring much better Internet plus phone service to 90% of San Juan County. When you’re ready, you can go to www.opalco.com and sign up for broadband services. The Board of Directors has asked for pre-subscription commitments from more than half the membership before agreeing to move forward and build the system, in order to ensure the project will not become a financial burden on the co-op.

What would members who subscribe to OPALCO’s broadband services get? For a total of $90/month per residential household – about what we’re all paying now – members would get:
• Much better Internet service (10Mbps+ in rural areas, 50Mbps+ in population centers) designed to accomodate future expansion
• Unlimited local and national long distance phone service using your current phone number and existing phone (international plans also available)
• Wifi access in population centers and at ferry landings. Continue Reading

To coincide with their current exhibit, Islands Museum of Art presents their next Kakehashi Event, “Sakura” featuring Susan Osborn this coming Friday, March 1st. For more information, click on the image below for a larger, easier to read version.

Big boost for Brickworks and the Ag Guild!

The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild is pleased to announce its receipt of a major matching grant commitment from the Town of Friday Harbor to help pay for capital expenditures and improvements relating to the Brickworks project in the downtown core of Friday Harbor, San Juan Island. Under the terms of the formal Agreement between the Town and the Ag Guild, the Town has authorized up to $100,000 of Lodging Tax funds to be issued as matching amounts to other private or public donations, grants or gifts towards the project.

“We are totally delighted with this extraordinary demonstration of support by the Town for what we have long believed would be a mutually rewarding project,” said Susie Wampler, Ag Guild chairperson. “Along with other recent major donations and matching grants as well as an increasing number of smaller personal donations, we are under full steam to achieve our goal of opening the facility in time for the summer farmer’s market, art market and other community-oriented events.” Continue Reading

Just heard from Anna Maria de Freitas, owner of Tucker House and Harrison House Suites, that both B & B’s were selected for the Bedandbreakfast.Com Diamond Collection. Pretty sweet deal when you look at all the criteria that goes into the selection process. Check out the Press Release to see what it’s all about! Congratulations Anna Maria!

Long-time mind-body-spirit counselor and group facilitator Suzie Thomas is about to begin a Heart Circle for islanders desiring to gather together in community to explore and nourish heart-based transformation. This on-going group will focus on opening the heart, learning about and accessing its particular kind of intelligence, and training the mind to make decisions in partnership with its wisdom.

Continue Reading

San Juan County Arts Council is presenting free workshops on three different islands in March to explore the impact and potential of the arts on the local economy. The Arts Commission of Washington State (ArtsWA) recently awarded a grant to the San Juan County Arts Council as one of eight pilot projects across the state to support community collaborations that use a data collection system called the Creative Vitality Index (CVI) to better understand local creative economies.

The workshops will be held March 19 at Orcas at Outlook Inn from 10-12, March 20 in Friday Harbor at the Earthbox Orca Room from 1-3pm and on March 21 at the Lopez Library from 10-12. Light refreshments will be served.

“We are partnering on this project with the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau and the San Juan County Visitors Bureau to bring together folks in the county that care about the economic impact of the arts in the county,” said Dennis Ryan, Chair of the SJC Arts Council Board. “We hope to both benchmark the County’s creative economy and define its components and critical relationships.”

“We have plenty of data on a nationwide level to prove that the arts are a significant driver to economic vitality,” said Kris Tucker, Executive Director of ArtsWA. “This project helps us document at the local level just how important the arts are to community well-being.”

For more information about the CVI see: http://www.westaf.org/publications_and_research/cvi.