The way I see it, there are three categories of carless people. Teens who want a license but don’t have one, teens who don’t want a license just yet as they’ll have no use for it in college, and adults who don’t want a license. Unless one lives in town, what are the options out there for the people who don’t own cars or want to cut back on their use of a car? 

I hate to state the obvious, but people really are built to walk around. It may be a bit time consuming, but it’s great exercise you can’t skip out on. Plus, it’s free!

Bikes are another great option for the summertime, especially if you live a bit too far to walk.  Maybe this is the summer you’ll finally reach that goal of biking up Bailer Hill…dare to dream!

Only have the energy to go one way? San Juan Transit offers a $15 all day pass or $5 a ride; if you live close to the tourist sites (Roche Harbor, the Lavender Farm, English Camp) you can get in and out of town relatively inexpensively compared to paying for gas.

Carpooling is the most realistic for many, especially when combining more than 2 people. As far as going offisland- there is a San Juan Ride Share Facebook group which has people posting the dates they are planning to depart and if they have room to take another person.  If you pay a bit to help with gas, there is usually someone headed a similar way to where you need to go!

Maybe we can all kick in and help the environment a bit this summer, while getting some great exercise and cutting costs!

Good weather for a good show…photo by Teresa Simendinger

Theresa Simendinger reports that the horse show was great – here’s more:

14th Annual 4-H Horse Show ~ our kids and Island Good Times!

The  4-H  Horse Show was held June 19,30 and July 1st at the San Juan County Fairgrounds.The tradition of 14 years was great fun to watch on a beautiful San Juan day. Julia Bevens 17, now a Senior at FHHS and Vice President of the local 4-H. She rode her new paint Quarter Horse, Jet and placed first in Pole Bending. Julia remarks, “I have competed in the 4-H Show for four years, and have one more year to compete in 4-H then I hope to continue in the adult division.”

Julia White 26, competes as an adult in the 4-H shows and on her pinto mare Pistol and won High Point in Sunday’s games. Ms White owns her own business; San Juan Island Trail Rides. Both girls agree the 4-H Shows are exciting family fun for both competitors and spectators.

Let’s take a look around:

• The Public Health Department has a free program that aims to help families get the nutrition they need. Here’s more from Director of Nursing Susan Leff:

Susan on the Fourth of July…

Our WIC program has openings for pregnant women, infants, and children under 5 years old. It is a great program to supplement a family’s diet with healthy foods and teach good nutrition at the same time. This year we even have limited vouchers for the local farmer’s market.

Stop by the Health Department to see if you qualify or look online!

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The Art Market is the place to be! Debbie Pigman has more:

The Friday Harbor Art Market is back in action this week on Thursday from 5-8pm, on the Brickworks Plaza on Sunshine Alley.

Bring your family and friends, and help spread the word! Twenty two booths showcasing a variety of original, hand crafted, local art, that includes felted clothing, animals, bowls and hats, jewelery, pottery, paintings, sculpture, photographs, cards, ceramic tiles, on the spot portraiture, aprons, totes, designer clothing, flip books and more were present, plus music and food!

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Ran into Lee Freeman on the ferry the other day; he’s up to see his property and the enjoy the sunshine!

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Faithful employees Roni and Zoe work the grand opening of The Bean Café’s ice cream place, overlooking the ferry landing…

• The Bean is branching out and opening a new ice cream store right next to the entrance of Friday’s Crab House. Take a break from the hot sun!

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A friend decided to keep us company as we waited in line on the mainland last Friday…

Hayden tries out the bungee activity at Roche…Photo by Gabby Rishel

Here’s the scenario: 58 just-graduates of Friday Harbor High School who hop on a bus and expect to have the time of their lives. Plan an unforgettable night for them.

That’s exactly what Nancy Young and the rest of the Grad Night Committee did. The amazing team of parents, friends, volunteers, and businesses created a magical night that each senior can reflect on as one of the best nights of their lives, surrounded by classmates as they journeyed from one stage of life to another.

So here’s what that lucky centennial class of Friday Harbor did after leaving on the bus after graduation… Continue Reading

Mike Vouri & Mike Cohen are back on stage with “The Life and Times of General George E. Pickett” this Saturday at 8pm at the Community Theatre…the show is being revived after it was “retired” in 2009. You saw them at the Pig War Picnic (above) – see it again on stage this weekend.

Let’s see what’s up around the island today, hey –

• The show tonight at the Community Theatre is sold out…Artistic Director Susan Williams pulled together a group of performers to do Beatles songs, and it looks like fun. On stage tonight: Daniel Finn, Beau Borrero & Gretchen Gubleman, Steve Keys, Ian Bolton, Debbie Strasser & her brother Jack, and Cameron & I….gonna be a nice evening. Hope we get to do it again sometime….

And…here’s more about Mike Vouri’s show on Saturday.

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• I loved hearing Janet Thomas’ story about how the island works – this happened on the Fourth:

Janet, wearing her book for the Library non-float in the parade…

Yesterday, for various reasons, I put my camera on the trunk of my car & went off for a drive around the island….six hours later I wondered why I couldn’t find it.

And here unfolds an island story.

Late-morning today, I got a call from the library. “Are you missing your camera?” The Smith family had it nearly five miles out of town. Someone had left it on their mailbox. The camera made it up & down Bailer Hill–where it apparently leaped for freedom. Someone–perhaps a bicyclist–found it & put it on the Smith’s mailbox. They noticed there were a bunch of photos of the library-wear-a-book-non-float in the fourth of July parade–and there was one of me wearing a book & a few embarrassing self-portraits. They called the library, named the book, got an “aha” of recognition. The library called me; I have my camera back; it still works; and the parade pics got posted. Yea! island life!

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The Greens (right) are joining the Millers (left) at Humpback Hauling…from left, that’s Bob, Robby and Lori, joined by Stephanie & Mark, holding Allyson & Cody.

• If it seems there’s more going on at Humpback Hauling, that’s because there is – here’s more from Lori:

Bob and Lori Miller, owners of Humpback Hauling, are very happy to introduce their new partners Mark and Stephanie Green.  The Greens have been boating in the San Juans most of their lives.  Mark is retired from the fire service in California and they have decided to raise their family in the islands (2 year old Allyson and the newest islander: Cody!)  So now the Humpback has two Captains and availability 7 days a week.  Also pictured is crew, Robby Miller.

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A little color on the Fourth, at the marina in Roche Harbor…photo by Ted Strutz (thanks, Ted!)

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• Laura Lee Chorba is playing at the Port for the Summer Music Program on Sunday from 2-4pm, while the band Sister Wives plays tomorrow from 5-7pm (with the Tease playing the next Friday!) Come down to the marina!

Meanwhile, at the Rumor Mill tonight it’s the Ian McFeron Band, with the Tease playing on Saturday.

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Good buds Maggie Anderson & Kyra Kinnaman get together each year on the Fourth for their “friend-aversary” since they met on that day, ten years ago. Both are in college now, with Maggie in Bellingham & Kyra in West Palm Beach, Florida…they still check in from both sides of the country.

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Becky’s fingernails were ready for the holiday!

And a great time was had by all….take a moment & check out the photos that Update reporter Rebecca Leff & I took at the parade on the Fourth of July in Friday Harbor. It’s a great chance to see a few hundred friends, all in one place – see what you think! Here’s the vid, assembled by Rebecca, with a little jazz:

Check out the map here to see where your ferry is, right now:

http://www.wsdot.com/ferries/vesselwatch/

The fireworks are reflected in the waters of the marina…photo by Chris Teren.

Yesterday’s parade & fireworks in Friday Harbor were photographed from all kinds of different angles, but no one got above the action like Chris Teren, who flew over town in the morning & in the evening to capture these amazing pictures.

Can you see yourself in the photos? Click on them to see a larger version…and thanks for sharing, Chris!

The parade begins in the foreground, and runs down Spring Street toward the harbor……photo by Chris Teren. Click to see the larger, cooler version.

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An eagle’s eye view…….photo by Chris Teren.

Happy Fourth to you, today…

Little updates for the day:

• See you at the parade downtown this morning! One more reminder why we live here…

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• Have you checked the schedule at Roche Harbor today? Here’s what’s on tap.

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• Pat O’Day‘s back on the island, recovering from his surgery last week – here’s the story from Seattle. He’s been a longtime fixture, announcing the parade from in front of the Presbyterian Church…gonna miss him this year.

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• Gina & Jay want you to know they’re open:

Roy’s Drive Thru & Espresso with be open on the 4th from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  We will have bikini barista’s offering a range of red, white & blue specials.

Happy 4th of July from all of us at Roy’s!

This summer!

The IMA is keeping everybody busy this summer with all sorts of activities, such as Family Art Days and Artist in Residence events. Here’s more info about the when/where/what from Emily Reed:

The first 2012 Family Art Day is Saturday, July 7, 11am – 4 pm, at the IMA Sculpture Park at Roche Harbor with Amy Harold; Charcoal and Erasers. Family Art Days are free, family-oriented “hands-on” art activities with local artists on Saturdays in July and August, sponsored by local businesses. For info: www.sjima.org or 370-0035.

Seattle artist Mary Coss will be the “Artist in Residence” July 4-7 at the IMA Sculpture Park at Roche Harbor. At Poet’s Cove on the park’s waterfront, she will be completing the third of her series of three sculptures which she began in 2010. Residents and visitors are invited to watch her unique use of materials as she brings her imagination into form. The park is open from dawn to dusk. For information: 370-0035 and www.mary-coss.com.

School’s out, work’s in! Be sure to say hello to Julianne and Sydney out at the Lime Kiln Cafe at Roche Harbor…

Let’s take a look ’round the island:

• The 11th annual Lavender Festival is coming up! Be sure to stop by for this great island tradition on July 21-22nd from 10am-5pm. There will be workshops, crafts, and delicious lavender goodies such as ice cream and lemonade! Parking and admission are free. Click here to go to the Pelindaba website and watch their video of last year’s highlights!

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David Eiler’s new book

• Feel like some summer reading? Try out David Eiler’s new book! Here’s the scoop, straight from the author himself:

I recently completed a book called “Finding Virginia: Adventures Along the Rocky Trail of Life.” The book is a true story about me, part of which takes place during my time at Roche Harbor in 1986. Since it involves the islands, I felt your website and readers might find it interesting. One story includes the time I sailed across Spieden Channel in my Hobie Cat, but didn’t make it back. The book is my twist on Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, replacing Phaedrus with a lost love. And, instead of “an inquiry into values” I have written “an exploration of purpose.”

It’s got jeeps, adventure, love, love lost, and me at life’s fulcrum, wondering how to proceed in the face of this economy.

Here are the comments of folks who have read the book – I hope you get a chance to check it out!

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Catherine and Cole at their goodbye party…

• Did you know that Catherine Buchanan (beloved FHMS/FHHS librarian) and Cole Hickenbottom (rising freshman) are moving to Songdo, South Korea? Catherine is going to work as a librarian at the Chadwick International School, where Cole will be enrolling. Meli Hickenbottom, who just graduated FHHS, plans on receiving a minor in Korean from UW and eventually joining her family in Songdo. I’m sure they’ll all have fun competing over who can become fluent in Korean fastest.

If you’re interested in learning more about where they’ll be living, there is a great Youtube video that shows the construction plans for the city which is currently being developed! We’ll all miss seeing this great family around the island…safe travels and keep in touch!

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• It’s time for Bill and Rita Ament’s Summer Creative Arts Day Camps! As a 3-time camp returnee myself, I can honestly say they are a wonderful experience. Open to ages 3-12, the camp will all be from 9am-2pm for 4 days with 3 possible sessions:  Camp Chautauqua from July 9-12, Camp Winnarainbow from July 23-26, and Camp Minniehaha from August 6-9. Camps are bilingual and open for enrollment!

Call Bill and Rita at 378-9628 or go to www.amentsummercamp.com for more info.

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Steve James

• Steve James, legendary Roots and Blues guitar player/singer/songwriter is back! Highly successful, a few of his highlights include  writing a column for Acoustic Guitar magazine and representing the USA overseas as an Emissary of the Blues, sponsored by the State Department.

He tours the entire planet playing guitar and mandolin.

He’ll be playing next Thursday, July 12th at 7pm at Isle Be Jammin’ on Spring Street. His past 11 shows here have sold out, so buy your tickets ($10) soon by stopping by Isle Be Jammin’ or calling 378-5151.

Steve will also be available for a few private lessons but spots fill up quickly so call and book your time soon!

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We ran into Debbi and Louise at the Bean Café a few days ago; be sure to tell Louise “Happy Birthday” next time you see her!

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• Want to help make this Fourth of July firework show even better? Here’s more from Rebecca Parks at the Chamber of Commerce:

Usually three businesses end up paying for the beautiful display: Kings, Islander’s Bank, and the Port. Write a tax deductible check helping cover the cost of fireworks and get your company’s name featured on the Best Chamber Float Ever. Speaking of which, the float could use some volunteers! All sorts of props are available; show off your island pride!

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Tuesday just got a lot more interesting…

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The Sonic Vandals are still making music together, with two new songs recorded yesterday! Hope to hear them play around the island soon…

Ryan Turner (visiting from Florida) after a semi-private lesson and Ashton Timmons just after her freeway drive…

Islanders finally have a choice when it comes to drivers’ education, and Sam Leigh is the reason for it. Her new business is off to a wonderful start and the community is a better place because of her hard work.

When many people think back to the old days of driver’s ed, they think of being extremely bored as some instructor droned on and on about stuff they felt they knew already. Later they might think they learned very little and feel extremely ripped off from such an expensive waste of time.

This isn’t the case with Sam’s students. Her extensive new curriculum gets kids involved and focused during each lesson. It’s designed to be interactive, with the emphasis on letting students work out solutions to the problems instead of being lectured by instructor. For example, in one of the first classes of the month Sam draws a four-way intersection and throws dice on the drawing to represent cars. She then asks the kids to figure what order the cars should go in. Beyond the black and white rules, she teaches students about awareness, dealing with bad weather, and training their instincts to do well in a variety of hairy situations. Her advice for new drivers and those who are about to start driving? Pay attention to the behavior of other drivers. You may be in the passenger seat, but learning to observe is a skill you’re never too early to start developing.

Sam has wanted to open her own driving school for the past 15 years. After living in 17 states and being both a driver and passenger in cities with notoriously bad traffic such as New York, she has seen all sorts of situations on the road. She believes that all crashes are avoidable if you emphasize how to prevent them. With about 40 students so far and no accidents, she is proving her words to be true.

Interested in signing up? New classes are offered every other month, with the next one starting this July (which will be done before fall sports start up, high schoolers!) For those of you who are of age and just never felt comfortable enough on the road to get a license, Sam also offers private lessons.

A scholarship fund is being started for those who want to take Drivers Education and cannot afford it. Donations would be extremely welcome. Remember, a few hundred dollars now might sound expensive for a young student, but learning the skills you need behind the wheel can save many times that over time by avoiding damage to yourself and those around you.

Carl Sandburg once said, ” I’m an idealist. I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m on my way.” So, did Paul Simon:

Talk about some eye candy for nature lovers.

Breathtaking capture of parent and baby swallow…Photo by Shel Bedsole

The boxes originally intended to house Western Bluebirds were vacant, so the Violet-Green Swallows decided to move in. The babies are now old enough to be fed from out the window by their parents…