The crowd at Music on the Lawn…

• This week drew a huge crowd of over 400 people listening, dancing, and singing along to “Soul Purpose” at the Historical Museum for Island Rec’s famous Wednesday Music on the Lawn. Next week is their last event, featuring the popular favorite band – the Chameleons. See you there!

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• The Sea Shepherd Gallery and Educational Center is celebrating its Grand Opening! 

It’s the very first gallery and educational center for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society in the world! The Gallery will be hosting an Open House all day and special guest speaker Locky Maclean,Captain of the Bridget Bardot, will be speaking at 4:00 at Brickworks Plaza. For listening and dancing,”The Tease” will be performing directly afterwards. It’s all happening from 10am-7pm on August 4th at the Sea Shepherd Gallery at 155 Nichols Street, and Brickworks Plaza at 150 Nichols Street. Best part? It’s free!

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• Friday Harbor is sometimes labeled the “city island” because of our fantastic Palace Theater. But that isn’t the only spot to see a brand new movie this Thursday! 

The multi-talented cast/writers/directors

As a part of the Own the Night Teen Summer Reading Program at the Library, kids made their own zombie movie! I’ll clarify the word “made”; the kids directed, acted, wrote, and even tried their hand at makeup and hair artistry.

When’s the premiere?

The Hollywood madness will happen Thursday, August 2nd at 7pm at the final Teen Summer Reading Program Party.

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 • The Whale Museum’s Land Based Wildlife Tours are ready and happening for the month of August; reserve your spot soon!

A three hour trip is led by a certified naturalist who takes participants by shuttle to the West Side and informs them about killer whales & why it’s beneficial to watch from shore. The trips explore orcas’ biology, social structure, culture, and why they are listed as endangered. Other wildlife discussed may include porpoises, seals, sea lioins, humpback whales, minke whales, bald eagles, and other seabirds.

The shuttle stops are likely to be Lime Kiln Point State Park, American Camp, and Cattle Point. Seating is limited so please make a reservation by calling at 378-4710 ext. 23 or stopping by. The tours run on August 10, 24, and 31 from 2-5pm.

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Marc & Charlie (along with Deb & Charlie’s brother Oskar) took off for China last weekend…that’s them a couple of weeks ago, at their garage sale.

• FHHS teachers around the world…

Ian just got a note from Spanish teacher Brook Landers, who is traveling in Europe (Italy, France, and now Spain) this summer, while librarian Catherine Buchanan  (scroll here for the story) headed for South Korea where she’s moving (last week), and science teacher Marc Vermiere and his family left the island last weekend to move to China.

America has been running on tips for a long time. In fact, most of my friends with summer jobs right now could tell you they make nearly as much money in tips as they do in their hourly wages. But why do we tip outside of restaurants? To thank people for the exceptional service they provide. That’s exactly what the party at Roche Harbor Marina represents for its summer dock workers.

A portion of the hardworking dock staff…

Ruth and Lee from the vessel “Salty’s Gambler” have been organizing the party for many years. Thanks for all the work you do!

Every year for the past 10 years, Roche Harbor has thrown a Dock Party for all its employees who help tie up boats, communicate to incoming vessels by radio, and assist visiting boaters in any way they can.

But what is interesting about that in particular? The fact that Roche Harbor isn’t footing the bill themselves. All the money for food and party organization is contributed by vessel owners docked in the marina. What isn’t used up in the execution of a great party is split as a bonus for each dock worker. It’s a great way for the boat owners to say thank you to the workers and enjoy an evening of delicious food (seriously, the ribs from Hailey’s were pretty fantastic) with great company.

Harbormaster Kevin Carleton told me that of the 40 dock workers they have on staff this summer, 22 are locals. It’s a full time job in the sunshine (I would argue the biggest downside is the prominent end-of-summer shorts tan line) that employs high school upperclassmen and older. Although there is quite a bit of turnover amongst the out-of-towners, many of the locals you see on the docks have been part of the summer crew for many years.

Thank you to all the boaters who pitched in for the Dock Party; it’s always nice to tell people you appreciate them.

Longtime islander Chris Destaffany mans the Howitzer at last weekend’s annual Encampment at English Camp…

It always feels like a trip back in time to visit the barracks & parade grounds & blockhouse & gardens at English Camp, but even more so when everyone is dressed up in the dress of the mid-19th century…it’s an awesome experience.

Gunpowder. Dress uniforms. Blowing off cannons. Playing cricket. The food. Arts, crafts, gardening….and what occupied the women as well. It was all there.

Update reporter Rebecca Leff captured the feeling of the weekend with this slideshow  – check it out:

Rhiana plays Thursday night at the Community Theatre…photo by Rebecca Leff

Here’s the word from the Theatre’s Jan Bollwinkel-Smith:

Island Teen Highlights Night Music August 2 

One of San Juan Island’s youngest musical treasures headlines San Juan Community Theatre’s Night Music series on Thursday, August 2.

Seventeen-year-old singer/songwriter Rhiana Franklin has been writing and singing since she was nine years old.  Since graduating from Friday Harbor High School, she has been working in Nashville on her debut EP Album with her producer, Matt Wilder.

Here’s a taste of Rhiana’s sound, with her song Crazy Girl:

The Night Music series continues on August 9, with a variety of local musicians showcased, and then returns on August 23 for a special repeat performance of Remember Patsy Cline with Kate Schuman and Keith Busha.

The live music starts at 8:00 p.m. in the intimate Gubelman Theatre, with a social hour in the Steele Memorial Garden (complete with special chocolate desserts, wine and beer available for purchase) from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Each evening is limited to 50 guests; all tickets are $10 each per concert.

The Business Partner for the series is Bed & Breakfast Association of San Juan Island.  The SJCT Box Office is open Tuesdays-Fridays, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and one hour before any performance.  Call 360-378-3210, or surf to www.sjctheatre.org.

A bowhead whale….what happens when they have a lot of human-made sound in their environment?

Tonight at the Whale Museum, you can hear one of the most informed folks in the world address what’s going on with bowhead whales (and here’s a bit of video from the BBC) – and you’ll be glad you did.

The Whale Museum kicks off its Research Lecture Series on Wednesday, August 1  at 7:00pm with Frances Robertson, a doctoral candidate at the University of British Columbia.

Frances’s academic research and professional work as a wildlife biologist has centered around the impacts of human activities on marine mammals. She has 10 years of marine mammal research experience where she has studied the impacts of coastal industries on cetacean populations in Canada, the US and Scotland. Frances also has extensive experience in marine mammal mitigation for the potential impacts of seismic operations on marine mammals. Her field experience in the Alaskan Arctic has led to her doctoral research studying the effects of seismic sounds on bowhead whale behavior and distribution.

Frances is primarily interested in assessing how the bowhead’s behavioral response to seismic sounds may influence the probability of it being visually detected by an observer, and if our failure to account for differential detectability during visual surveys affects our interpretation of bowhead whale distribution and abundance relative to industry operations in the Alaskan Arctic.  Frances will be presenting the results of her work investigating the effects of seismic sound on bowhead behavior, discussing implications in the context of mitigation strategies.  Frances will also present some of the marine mammal mitigation strategies currently used in the Beaufort Sea.

The lecture is free and open to the public, although donations are encouraged.  Continue Reading

This is a video I’m guessing you can’t watch without smiling (and maybe dancing along)….join Matt & give it a go & see how it works for you:

A free composting workshop is happening Saturday, August 4th at the San Juan County Fairgrounds from 11am to 2pm. You can learn to build and operate your own 3-Bin Composting System, which benefits the environment, your yard, and your wallet. Helen Vanada from the County’s Solid Waste Division has more:

It’s nice when cost cutting and environmental sustainability go together, and composting is a great place to start…

You are invited to a free workshop at the Fairgrounds to learn how to build a 3-bin composting system.  I’ve attended a lot of composting workshops over the past several years and I’m always impressed with the new and useful information I learn each time.

This workshop will build a 3-bin composting system (used to manage larger amounts of yard/green waste) and teach us to create a healthier garden and yard.  The bins will be used as a demonstration at this year’s County Fair.

Why compost? 

• Composting is nature’s recycling system that will make your plants healthier and will improve your soil’s water-holding capacity.
• You can save money on your trash disposal bill while turning your lawn clippings, plant materials, and other green waste into a free soil amendment.
• Composting on-site is more convenient than hauling your yard waste to a disposal location; it’s also more hygienic to compost your food waste than to mix it with your trash that gets trucked, ferried, and railed to the mainland.
• Composting saves landfill space and helps to keep “resources” on-island.
• Burning leaves and brush produces air pollution…so why not add them to your compost pile instead?

No need to register for the workshop; just stop in! Your yard may thank you next year.

It was especially great to see Tina Jones (center) at the Relay for Life last night; her presence reminded me of how wonderfully the community banded together to support her last winter at the S-Club’s Fundraiser at the Mullis Center. More Relay stuff will be coming soon!

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Glassblower & artist Darlene Nixon tells me that Roche Harbor has been going full swing with one wedding after another. Maybe they’ll get over 80, which was the magic number from last year…

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Rhiana modeling for me at South Beach last week…

• Rhiana Franklin and Trent Roberts are shooting a music video out at the West Side near Lime Kiln on August 4th and need an island audience! The song is called “Crazy Girl” and its on the EP album Rhiana will be releasing in September. So swing by and show your support for these two great musicians! The Facebook event will keep you updated on specifics.

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• Victoria at the Economic Development Council says the deadline has been extended:

Marine Tech Training Scholarships from EDC – Deadline Extended

The San Juan County Economic Development Council has been awarded a grant for marine tech training scholarships from the US Department of Agriculture.  The deadline for applications has been extended to August 10, 2012.

The scholarships will cover full tuition for marine engine repair training, and for composite technology training and certification.  The training is ideal for recent graduates and for those looking to begin a new career – applicants must be over 18 years old.  For more information, please visit www.sanjuansedc.org/marine.htm

The grant was awarded through the Rural Business Enterprise program of the USDA, which was created to provide adults with job skills training in rural areas.  The official “big check” award ceremony was held at the Port of Friday Harbor, and was attended by Jim Hooper (SJC-EDC President), Melanie Drecksel and Sharon Exley (USDA), SJC Councilmember Lovel Pratt, Town Councilmember Steve Hushebeck, Port of Friday Harbor Commissioners Mike Ahrenius and Greg Hertel, Don Wick (EDASC), Ron Nelson (ICEDC), Victoria Compton (SJC-EDC).

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.  

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The Enactment was a definite highlight of the weekend – the lady next to me almost dropped her camera at the sound of the cannon firing! That shows how authentic the event was. Plus, there was a free shuttle from town and Roche Harbor from San Juan Transit, so everyone had the option of going green! More pictures to come.

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Allison & Bryan & the kids….

• Bryan (above) could sure use a hand….here’s a website that describes what he & his family are going through, and how you can help.

Islander Barbara Dollahite was one of the artists at the Bellevue Arts Fair this past week – she tells me she had a great time!

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• The Fair is only a couple of weeks away, and it’s time for you to sign up to help! Here’s an idea, from Judy Chovan:

Everyone’s favorite week of the year – Fair Week – is fast approaching. The week where we get to see friends and neighbors we sadly see but once a year, enjoy elephant ears (without guilt), and wonder at the creativity and green thumbs of all.

The Photography Department is, by far, the largest department of the fair. With well over 800 photographs from talented and eager photographers, both young and old, to check in, it is a daunting task. Bob agreed to coordinate the department again this year with the caveat that I would help line up volunteers.

For those of you have helped in the past, you know Tuesday check-in requires many, many hands to process the hundreds of photographs. I am asking for anyone who is able to volunteer for a shift, to please respond to this email or call me at 378-0815.  We need volunteers from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm. For those working over dinner, pizza will be provided and snacks throughout the day.  Please let me know if you can work two hours, three hours, or even longer.

Thanks in advance – the County Fair is a great symbol of what these islands are about – helping out and making things happen. With your help, the photography display will once again showcase the best of our creative islanders.

Judy Chovan

[email protected]

Limbo is one of the many fun activities kids partake in…

Bill and Rita still have openings for their last camp of the summer! Its name is Camp Minihaha and runs from August 6-9 from 9am to 2pm. Camps are bilingual and open for enrollment! Here are all the details according to the hardworking Camp Coordinators:

Now in their 28th year, Bill & Rita Ament offer a Summer Creative Arts Day Camp that is a nurturing, loving and unique environment combined with fantastic outdoor fun. Arts and crafts, dance, zumbatomic, acting, swimming, games, nature exploration, treasure hunts, music, camp chants and songs plus their ever popular Native American teachings and celebrations are all woven together with the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands. Their exciting day camps combine the beach, forests, lakes and fields with a stimulating range of age appropriate activities, guided by Bill & Rita and their experienced camp counselors.

Campers having a grand time in the sun…

A typical camp day consists of a morning get together for Native American Indian sign language, plus singing songs and camp chants, exercising and doing all kinds of animal yoga poses, a peace pipe ceremony celebrating life as a tribe including a deer dance, bell ringers, a drum circle, and passing the peace pipe and sharing where we want peace to go to and sharing what we are grateful for. Continue Reading

That was the sunrise yesterday morning, in a beautiful photo by Heather Callin (thanks, Heather!)….click on it to enlarge it & you’ll get the idea.

Hope your morning is off to a good start – let’s see what’s happening around here:

• Marie DiCristina’s neighborhood is the place to be Saturday morning:

The Foxhall Neighborhood GARAGE SALES are being held this Saturday, beginning at 8:30am. Please no early birds. Foxhall is located just past the Library at Guard Street and Beaverton Valley Road. There are sales at addresses 568(children’s items),at 522,509,507 and 506 Kelsando Circle.  Possibly more homes will join! Drive all the way around the circle so you don’t miss any. With this many homes you will surely find something!   Enjoy!

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Sparkles on the water, coming home on the interisland ferry on Wednesday late afternoon….

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It was great to get a chance to swing by & congratulate Curt VanHyning as he retires as director of the Mullis Senior Center – assistant Bonnie Sliger will stay on, and help with the transition as Wendy Stephens (right) returns to the island to take Curt’s place…

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• Eileen has the scoop on this month’s walk:

KNOW YOUR ISLAND WALK
Sat. July 28, 2012; 1-4pm:  Meet Mike Buettell, Roche Harbor resident and volunteer trail builder, to walk and explore the Briggs Lake Trail in the Roche Harbor Highlands. Meet and park at the intersection of West Valley and Roche Harbor Roads. Length is 4 miles, roundtrip. Terrain is slight uphill and downhill sections on service roads.  Rating is moderate. Dogs on leashes are welcome. Information at www.sanjuanislandtrails.org.

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Mikial

• Looking for a business to buy? Here’s a place to start – here’s more from Mikial:

Travel Light Cycles (A Bicycle Recycle Center) is expanding and offering its Friday Harbor shop for sale to a cooperative minded bike enthusiast/business person. This is not a must sell situation. The terms are negotiable and capital infusion is a prerequisite to adequately finance the expansion. Training available. Serious inquiries only please!

Mikial 360-421-0443 or travel.light.cycles (at) gmail.com>

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• Tell your non-Internet friends they can get the Fair Booklet anyway – here’s the story from Dot Vandaveer, earlier this week:

Just a reminder that the 2012 Fair Premium/Eshibitor booklet is available at the County Libraries.  A new supply was just delivered to the Friday Harbor Library this afternoon and the suppply will be replenished as needed. Supplies are limited.

Puffy

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• Rebekah tells me that her cat Puffy has been away the last week or two, and wondered if you’ve seen her around the Browne’s nursery or Fairgrounds area? If you do, call her or Brian at the Mystical Mermaid at 378-2617

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• It is so cool to hear local businesses getting recognized for doing great things – here’s more from Stephanie at Tucker House & The Coho Restaurant:

Hi Ian,

I thought you might like to know that Coho Restaurant was awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence again. That makes 5 years in a row! We’re featured in the Wine Spectator issue just hitting the newsstands today.

With a selection of over 320 quality wines, from high end to budget-friendly, Coho is a great place to enjoy a glass of grape!

Thanks, Ian. Hope your summer is going well!

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• Just heard from Amy at PeaceHealth that the new hospital is posting jobs to be filled – here’s the deal:

Openings for positions at the new PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center are now posted on the PeaceHealth web site, with more to be posted on Wednesday, Aug. 1.

Current openings are for Registered Nurse (RN) Critical Access, Certified Nursing Assistant/Unit Coordinator, Certified Medical Assistants and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN.)  Openings to be posted in August are Patient Access Representative and Environmental Service Attendant.

Job postings are available online, at www.PeaceHealth.org. Searchers should click on “Careers” at the top of the screen, and then select “Job Openings” under Working at PeaceHealth.  After reviewing “Who We Are,” the PeaceHealth mission, vision and core values, job seekers click “I Agree” at the bottom of the screen. They should select “WA – Bellingham” in the Location drop-down list under “Search Listings” and then click “Submit.” Continue Reading

Did you get your ballot in? You can drop it in the mail, or drop it in the box in front of the Courthouse, like I did (I was outa stamps….). Primary ballots must be in (or postmarked) by 8 pm August 7 to be counted.

A couple of notes….first, from GOP County Chair Michelle Loftus:

Saturday July 28^th
6:30pm:
US Senate Candidate Dr. Art Coday will conduct a Meet and Greet at Fairweather Park at the Port of Friday Harbor. Afterward Dr. Coday will visit downtown businesses and enjoy our island assets. Come hear Dr. Coday’s solutions to our healthcare issues developed while practicing medicine for Medicare and Medicaid patients. Ask questions and part of the dialogue to get America moving in the right direction. San Juan County Republicans will provide refreshments.

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 Meanwhile, here’s the word from Louise Dustrude, on behalf of the Democrats:

Democracy Corner, the headquarters of the local Democratic party, continues to be open six days a week in downtown Friday Harbor but with new hours beginning in August: 11 to 3 every day except Wednesday.

Everyone is welcome to stop in and get information about national, state, and local candidates and issues.

Located in the building behind the drug store that also houses Marilyn’s Garden Path Café, the headquarters is staffed by volunteers. It will close during the Fair, August 15-18, and the volunteers will staff the Democratic Fair booth.

The county Democratic Central Committee recently endorsed the following candidates on the primary ballot:

Jay Inslee for Governor of Washington

Maria Cantwell for U.S. Senator

Rick Larsen for U.S. Representative

Kevin Ranker for State Senator

Jeff Morris and Kristine Lytton for State Representative

Bruce Hilyer and Sheryl G. McCloud for State Supreme Court, Pos. 9

Brad Owen for Lieutenant Governor

Bob Ferguson for Attorney General

Kathleen Drew for Secretary of State

Craig Pridemore for State Auditor

Jim McIntire for State Treasurer

Mike Kreidler for Insurance Commissioner

Peter Goldmark for Commissioner of Public Lands

Primary ballots must be in (or postmarked) by 8 pm August 7 to be counted.

Postmaster Dan Fleming has announced his retirement…looks like he’ll be spending more time in the garden. Photo by Tim Dustrude

Tim Dustrude continues his series with photos & stories about people around the island – here’s more about the island’s soon-to-be-retired postmaster:

This has got to be the best dressed gardener I’ve ever seen. Meet Dan Fleming, our Postmaster. In this photo you see him doing what he likes best. (Click here for the rest of the story)

Photographer Tim Dustrude has put together a series of photos & stories called This Is Our Town about folks around the island, and I’m excited to add his work to the Update as a regular feature. Tim has been a professional photographer for over a decade, and does great work. Check out his website.

Lysander & Hermia: Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” comes alive on the Roche Harbor stage this weekend before moving to the Wold Road stage for the final three weeks of the run….

Last night I got a chance to see Island Stage Left’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and I think this is one you don’t want to miss.

It was well-attended – a full crowd for a Thursday night was laughing the whole way through. Folks who aren’t familiar with Shakespeare are going to find this one easy to follow, as the cast  does a super job of making the story clear with both the dialogue & the action. I heard several moms afterward say they’re going to bring their kids to the show (reflecting how clear the imterpretation was), and there’s more: it’s fun.

Island Stage Left continues to be an island treasure, and you’ll see why when you catch this show. Nice to see Garth back on the island & in a show; nice to see Dan’s Bottom; nice to see younger actors & dancing & singing & more dancing…it’s a colorful, sweet show. Go see it & let me know what you think.

People are getting ready for Relay for Life…this is the word on the window at Be Chic this week.

Here’s the schedule for the events this weekend – drop by the high school track to cheer the teams on:

Relay for Life of Friday Harbor 8th Annual Walk

This weekend! July 28 & 29
Friday Harbor High School Track

Saturday, July 28 there will be a Survivor Luncheon hosted by Vinny’s Restaurant at 2:00 pm

Opening Ceremonies at 3:00 pm with winner of 2012 Relay Idol, Travis Berwald singing the National Anthem

Survivor Walk at 4:00 pm

Luminaria Ceremony at 10:00 pm

Sunday, July 29: Fight Back Ceremony at 8:00 am
Closing Ceremony at 10:00 am

 www.relayforlifeoffridayharbor.org