Rich Hughes says “thanks”

Congratulations to Lisa Byers, Lovell Pratt and Bob Jarman for their recent primary victories. I look forward to seeing each of you over the next few months on the campaign trail.

I would like to thank supporters and friends who stepped up and voted for me in the primary. It is an honor to serve you on the current county council and I look forward to the opportunity to continue this service for the next four years.

It’s been my great privilege to meet many amazing people of this county over the past weeks and months and am eager to meet many more in the near future. If you see me at the market or the pharmacy or at my council office in the senior center, please stop and say hello, I really want to meet you and have a conversation.

Our county is at a tipping point and requires moderate, balanced leaders who will work hard for the interest of all of San Juan County. I’m concerned about the long-term prospect of living wage jobs; reliable and responsive care for our seniors; reasonable and affordable transportation options; clear, concise and appropriate regulation; and the prospect of locally controlled high-speed internet that exceeds mainland options.

Thank you again for your support.

Rick Hughes
San Juan County Council
Orcas West/Waldron
District #4

Jan Murphy at Wolf Hollow sent an email with this heartwarming story. If you would like to receive email notifications like this, send her a note at SanJuanJan [@] gmail . com to let her know and she’ll get you fixed right up. Here’s her story:

Saw Whet Owl being nursed back to health at Wolf Hollow

This cute little Saw Whet owl was found by island resident, Halley Byrne one night in early February, sitting in the middle of Bailer Hill Road, so we presume she had been hit by a car. The poor little bird could hardly stand up, had her eyes closed, was very weak and didn’t respond when she was handled, so we weren’t sure if she would make it through the night.

We gave her medication and put her in a supportive wrap in a warm carrier.  The next morning we were surprised to find her alert, perching and looking around. One eye was partly closed and she probably still had a really sore head, but that didn’t stop her from trying to stick her talons into our fingers when we gave her a dead mouse for dinner.  Since then her eye has gradually improved, but she has been unable to fly.  We have done a radiograph and it shows no broken bones, so she probably just has sore muscles that will gradually heal. We hope this little owl will soon be able to move into an outdoor enclosure where she can fly and build up her strength before being released back into the wild again.

Jan Bollwinkel-Smith over at the community theater wants you to know that the hit show KWIT Radio Hour returns for four more shows tonight through Sunday. Friday and Saturday are filling up but there are more seats available for Thursday night and Sunday matinee.

Tickets are available at 378-3210 or www.sjctheatre.org

KWIT Radio Hour tonight thru Sunday at San Juan Community Theater

Epigenetics the subject of next Arthur Whiteley Lecture.

On Thursday February 21, Charles Laird, Professor of Biology at the University of Washington, Associate Director for Fragile X Research in the University’s Center on Human Development and Disability, will present a lecture entitled Epigenetic information channels the genome: insights from human disease. Epigenetics is a rapidly growing research field that investigates heritable alterations in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in DNA sequence.

Professor Laird received his BS from the University of Oregon, and his PhD from Stanford University. He was a faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin prior to joining the University of Washington in 1971. He has also taught or carried out research at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, the Zoology Institute of the University of Zurich, the Medical Research Council’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Cambridge), the Department of Genetics at Cambridge University, the Zoology Department at University of Bergen, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

7 p.m. The Commons, Friday Harbor Labs. Public lecture open to all.
Free, though donations gratefully accepted.
San Juan Nature Institute offers the Arthur Whiteley lectures in collaboration with UW Friday Harbor Labs as one of its four core programs.

Elsie Joyce Thomsen, born on January 24, 2013

Emily and Ian Thomsen happily announce the birth of their daughter Elsie Joyce Thomsen on January 24, 2013 in Missoula, Montana. Elsie weighed 8 lbs. and was 21 inches long. Elsie’s ecstatic uncle is Elliot Robinson Thomsen.  Marty Robinson of San Juan Island, Tim Thomsen of Friday Harbor and Dana and Greg Howell of Ketchum, Idaho are Elsie’s delighted grandparents. Elsie’s great grandparents are Kathryn Elsie Robinson, Jane Langhorne, Audrey Thomsen and Bud Thomsen.

San Juan Update investigative reporter Louise Dustrude checks in and files this report: 

State Park volunteers and others at a farewell party last year for Billy Hoppe, who had been assistant ranger here for 17 years. When his job was cut to part-time he reluctantly left for Camano Island State Park. Back row, left to right: Ed and Clare Kelm, Dennis Linden, Eileen and Dan Drath, Diane Gardetto, Doug McCutchen, Kari Koski, Eric Eisenhardt, Jenny Atkinson, Ranger Ted Schlund. Middle row: Erin Corra, founder of FOLKS, Andrea Wieland, Shirley Zyph. Kneeling: Allan Smith, Billy Hoppe, John Dustrude, and Ken Schilling holding Kensey – Louise Dustrude photo

How do you maintain a world-class public park without any tax support? It’s not easy.

Lime Kiln Point State Park, also known as Whale Watch Park, is one of the few places in the world where you can watch whales up close from shore. It was also the site of a limestone mining operation for 90 years, and it has a beautiful lighthouse that has been operating since 1919. It draws some 200,000 visitors a year, from at least 40 countries.

The 36-acre site is surrounded by the 174-acre Land Bank Limekiln Preserve, and walking trails on the two properties link up seamlessly.

It is one of our island treasures.

But two years ago the legislature voted not to fund state parks out of the general fund and instead to ask the public to support them through parking fees — the so-called Discover Pass, which sells for $30 a year or $10 a day.

Surprisingly (or not) this new funding mechanism hasn’t raised enough cash, and state parks are cutting back drastically on personnel and maintenance. Continue Reading

The photos in the book bring Schubart’s work to life…..much of his work is on Orcas Island & Saltspring Island….

When I received a review copy of “Houses Made of Wood & Light” in the mail the other day, I knew right away this was an awesome project….the book was beautifully shot, clearly written, and a wonderful celebration of Hank’s work. You’ll get the idea if you check out the website that goes with the book here….

So, we’re lucky that local architect & historian Boyd Pratt could take the time to share his review of the book, and as you’ll see, he says there’s a lot to like. 

Here’s more:

Houses Made of Wood and Light: The Life and Architecture of Hank Schubart
by Michel Dunkerley with Jane Hickie
Photographs by Jim Alinder

Review by Boyd C. Pratt

Hank Schubart

Houses Made of Wood and Light is about a Pacific Northwest Modernist, Hank Schubart (1916-1998), who lived and designed houses on Salt Spring, just over the border in the Gulf Islands, as well as Orcas Island.

In telling the story of Schubart’s life and architecture, Houses relates the ‘backstory’ of how he ended up on Salt Spring with the training, experience, and sensitivity that he brought with him, and then describes what he achieved there.

As such, this beautiful book can be enjoyed on several levels, and by readers of different interests.

From the view point of an architectural historian, this monograph offers an insightful biography of a late 20th century Regional Modernist.  Following an arc beginning with Schubart’s youthful ‘fellowship’ with Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin, Wisconsin, to apprenticeship with several New York firms, and over to California to work with William Wurster and registration and partnership with Howard Friedman, it culminates in his move to the Pacific Northwest. Continue Reading

Local photographer John Miller went on a photo safari last week and captured quite a few beautiful wildlife images that he’ll be sharing with us. Below is a female Northern Harrier hawk he saw on Fir Island, last Friday. Thanks John!

Female Northern Harrier. Click on photo for the large version – John Miller photo

And just in case you didn’t know – Fir Island is where you’re at when you take the other way over to I-5 by turning right at the Farmhouse Inn and driving all the way to Conway on that backroad – You cross a bridge after the little Rexville Gas Station… that’s the North Fork of the Skagit River (right before Snow Goose Produce). Then you drive for a while until you cross another bridge after that Church on the left… that’s the South Fork of the Skagit River. Fir Island is what you’re on in between those 2 bridges.

It’s so cool when people come together and do stuff like this for the community. Minnie Knych was there and she has the story on the tree planting event at the ball fields last Sunday. Here’s her report:

Friday Harbor Middle School student plants a Sitka Spruce at the Friday Harbor Community Athletic Fields on Sunday, Feb. 17 – Jim Knych photo

San Juan Island’s spirit of cooperation and support was on display once again at the Friday Harbor Community Athletic Fields. Even the weather pitched in with a sunny day on February 17th when 65 Sitka Spruce were planted by volunteers from Friday Harbor Grange 225 and the San Juan Lions Club, along with the help of some children.

The Sitka Spruce are large, fast growing trees which should create a stately drive into the athletic field area and parking lot, as well as provide shade and beauty to the facility. Don Galt, the driving force behind the “Field of Dreams,” arranged to have the locations for the trees staked out.

The spruce trees were remnants from last year’s Arbor Day bare root tree give-away that had been potted and nurtured by Alex Gavora for the past 10 months for this use. The new tree-lined drive is a fitting memorial to her sister Pauli Gavora who lost her battle with cancer in 2012. Pauli was the inspiration behind San Juan’s Island’s recognition of Arbor Day for many years.

Click on the photos below to see larger versions…

BACK ROW L to R: FH Grange member Rob Penwell, Community volunteer Bob, Lions members Laurie and Brian Brown, Friday Harbor Grange members Minnie Knych, Al Commins, Kathleen Commins, Alex Gavora, – FRONT ROW: Bob’s daughter and Regina Penwell – Jim Knych photo

Friday Harbor Grange member Alex Gavora unloads trees in preparation for planting – Jim Knych photo

Friday Harbor Grange President Kathleen Commins planting a tree – Jim Knych photo

Friday Harbor Grange member Al Commins digging holes for the trees – Jim Knych photo

Alex Gavora stakes a young tree for protection from the wind – Jim Knych photo

Meet Zeus – This week’s Pet of the Week

Meet our boy, Zeus.  Don’t let his breed scare you – yes, he’s a pit bull, but he’s one of the sweetest boys you’ll ever meet.  He came to our shelter almost a year ago because his owner let him roam the neighborhood, which made neighbors somewhat nervous.  He is almost always overlooked by folks looking for a dog because of his “heritage”, but those of us who know him, know that he’s a teddy bear at heart.  We’ve done extensive work with his leash manners and feel that he needs an owner who will continue to work with him.  Zeus is about five years old. He gets along well with people and other dogs when properly introduced.  He would do best in a breed knowledgeable home with no cats.  This gentle boy deserves a second chance – please stop by the shelter at 111 Shelter Road to meet him. Or call 378-2158.

Update Reporter-On-the-Street Diana Mancel fills us in on one of the lesser-known public parks on the island. Here she is with her report…

Diana Mancel reports on this little gem of a park on the island. – Diana Mancel photo

In our quest to learn all we can about our new home, Rich and I traveled to Reuben Tarte County Park a few weeks ago.  I was stunned!  How did I not know about this gorgeous little strip of land?  We spent about two hours, just listening to the sounds of a Kingfisher, watching a harbor seal move around the quiet little beach and enjoying the vista before us.  Before this trip, I thought South Beach was my all time favorite place on the island, but now….sorry, South Beach, I have found a new love.

And who was Reuben Tarte?  He was a Seattle businessman who came to the San Juan Islands in 1956 for a visit, and ended up buying the Roche Harbor Lime Cement Company from Paul McMillan, son of the famous John S. McMillan.  Mr. Tarte and his family began restoring the hotel and warehouse, and when they sold it in 1988, Roche Harbor was well on its way to becoming the beautiful resort it is today.

Rueben Tarte County Park is one of the few places where the public can access the north shore of the island.  Click here for details.

And here’s a cool news article about viewing the Northern Lights from the park back in October of last year with a photo from our island’s own Chris Teren.

Bob Jarman sends his thanks to you…

Bob says “Thanks!”

THANK YOU to all my supporters, family, and friends for voting in the primary and putting me through to the general election.  Your faith in me and my views has been overwhelming.  I would like to acknowledge my fellow Council candidates; especially Marc Forlenza, Rick Hughes and Greg Ayers.  They all ran great campaigns, and we became friends as well as candidates.

I have recently undergone an open heart surgery that involved replacing my aortic valve.  It has set me back a bit.  However, I plan to come back strong and resume work on the Council, representing all of my fellow islanders with a commitment for change. I look forward to getting back to work.  Our Council Members have been working well together and I believe we can accomplish a lot in the next few months.

Moving forward toward the general election, I will be reaching out to the voters on all the islands.   For now, however, my first priority is fulfilling my obligations as a Council Member.

Thank you to everyone for their good wishes on my recovery.

Sincerely,
Bob  Jarman
San Juan County Council Member
Dist. 1

Minnie Kynch sends this notice and call for volunteers…

Join the members of Friday Harbor Grange 225, the Lions, Leos and other volunteers to help us plant trees at the new ball fields. We’ll be planting 60 or 70 one gallon containers of Sitka Spruce at the new ball field.  We will meet at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, February 17^th, at the ball field.

Wear your grubbies, bring a shovel or your version of a planting stick, gloves, and whatever else you think appropriate.

There will be pictures! I hope I’ll see you there.

With no experience and a little patience, you can take a single piece of square paper and transform it into a butterfly, a heart, a box or maybe even a crane! It’s the Japanese folding paper art of Origami and children 8 and up can come and learn some basic techniques and patterns with examples to take home.

It’s today, Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Library from 10:30 AM until noon.

A second class will be offered on March 16th at the same time for those who are ready to challenge their folding abilities with more advanced projects.

Origami – Today at the library, 10:30 til noon

This was posted several days ago but now it’s updated with additional information…

The Animal Shelter kicked off it’s annual “Community Pet Food Drive”, on Thursday. Donation boxes are located at the following spots:  Friday Harbor Pet Supply, The Barking Bird, Marketplace and King’s Market.  Donations of canned and dry pet food can be donated until Tuesday, February 26.  Those who wish to donate money towards the purchase of a pallet of pet food should contact the shelter at 378-2158.  All of the food collected will go to the Friday Harbor Food Bank.

It’s always so cool when Captain Jim Maya of Maya’s Westside Charters shares his photos with us and wow, he got some good ones last week. Here they are to start your weekend off right. Thanks Jim!

Jim Maya photo

Jim Maya photo

Jim Maya photo