It’s always good to hear live music…here’s a chance for July 6th (that’s a correction – I had originally put  June 6th!):

Joe

My name is Joe Miller and I will be giving a concert of solo classical guitar music at The Grange, July 6 at 7:30pm. I am in collaboration with my grandfather Joe Miller IV who is a resident artist of San Juan Island and his paintings will be on display on stage. Your website/blog seems to be quite a gathering of all things happening on the island so I was hoping that perhaps you could cover my concert.

If you are interested my website with recordings is here: www.josephmillerguitar.com
My grandfather’s is here: www.joemiller4.com

Thank you,
Joe

See you in the parade!

You already know that the biggest day of the year on the island is the Fourth of July, with the parade, the picnic at the Historical Museum, all the activities at Roche Harbor, and barbecues going all over the island…wahoo!

I hope you’re making your plans, too. Update reporter Rebecca Leff has just assembled a nice video from my pictures from the 2011 Fourth of July, here on the island…it’s cool to see hundreds of people you know all in one place – check it out:

These recycled socks are the thing I like to buy at Cotton Cotton Cotton…and Gail & Randy just got a new shipment yesterday…they’re quirky & wonderful & whoever you get them for will love ’em….always looks like flowers, spread over the counter, with all those colors.

Hope you have a good & sunny weekend planned (remember, the sun is from you, not “out there”….) – let’s take a quick look:

• I guess we’re getting kinda famous, here in our little islands….here’s what Sunset Magazine and the Huffington Post have to say about us…

++++++

• There’s also the issue: What happens with an oil spill here? Look deeper….(thanks to Lovel Pratt for sending this over.)

++++++

The earth laughs…

• A friend wrote this morning & told me:

When heaven falls to earth, it becomes a garden….I think it was Emerson who said that the earth laughs in flowers.

+++++++

• Today is King’s last day after a quarter century….here’s the note from Amy at the Town:

“Come celebrate King Fitch as he says ‘Goodbye To The Town’.

Please join us for an Open/House Reception to honor King for his 25 years of dedicated service to the Town of Friday Harbor. Friday, June 29th from 3:00 until 5:00 at Town Hall. Refreshments and snacks provided. See you then!

Cans, all over town…

+++++++

• It’s cool that the Chamber of Commerce has Rebecca Parks working with them…and she’s pretty excited about the Fourth of July. Can you give her a hand? Here’s more:

Donations Needed for 4th of July Fireworks!

Ready for the 4th? The 2012 parade is shaping up to be one of the best ever, according to Rebecca Parks, Chamber of Commerce Events Coordinator.

“Now we just need to collect more donations to pay for the fireworks show,”  said Parks. Every year, merchants and local proud citizens donate the $15,000 needed for the fireworks display in the harbor.

There are one or two particularly generous merchants, but they can’t do it alone.

“I’m afraid this is all on my shoulders this year,” Parks said. “I can hear it now: 2012 was the year we didn’t have a 4th of July. Does that mean we’ll go directly from the 3rd to the 5th? and it will be all my fault?”  Rebecca is joking (mostly) but wants us to put out the word that (tax deductible!) DONATIONS ARE DESPERATELY NEEDED!

There are “Donation Firecrackers” all over the island, and larger contributions can be left at the Chamber of Commerce office at 135 Spring Street or mailed to P.O. Box 98, Friday Harbor, WA.

+++++

It was cool to run into the Whalens the other night at Mi Casita – Carol (center) loves having Desi & Bristol on the island this summer….

+++++

• Time to learn to sail, and Island Rec is ready to show you how – here’s more from Sally:

Adults and Teens Learn to Sail Class!

 Sailing is an activity that people can enjoy for a lifetime and is something that is never too late to learn!  Living on San Juan Island opportunities to sail abound!  For those interested in learning these skills there is no better opportunity that through Island Rec’s Learn to Sail class scheduled for July 16-20, from 2-5pm.

Participants will learn to rig, tack, jibe, capsize recovery and other basic skills while sailing solo in El Toros and Lasers.   The class takes place on Percich Pond and is taught by Certified U.S. Sailing Certified Instructors.

Register by June 28 and save $10 off the registration fee of $150.  People can register online at www.islandrec.org, or stop by Island Rec at 580 Guard Street M-F, 1-5pm to register in person.  Call Island Rec at 378-4953 for more information.

Island Rec’s Learn to Sail program is in partnership with the San Juan Sailing Foundation.

++++++

Happy Canada Day this weekend! And it’s cool to know that most of the merchants in Friday Harbor make it easy & hospitable for our Canadian visitors & friends to come here, like the Doctor’s Office coffee place next to the ferry.

They’re back again! With a wonderful cast of 51 young actors and actresses, the Missoula Theater is ready to put on a very special and beloved production, “The Tortoise VERSUS the Hare.”

Missoula instructor encourages his actors to exude passion and confidence on the stage…

They started out great, with a huge turnout of young islanders each vying for a piece of the spotlight. But the best part about it really came down to two words: no cuts. For the first time in a while, no child had to go home instead of participating in the week long fun that goes into making this production.

After a few days of auditions and quite a few hours of rehearsal, the actors and actresses will be on stage performing this Saturday, June 30th at 3pm and again at 7pm. Here’s a little more about the play itself from Promotions Director Jan at the Theater:

Jim Caron’s version of the classic tale sees the race through the eyes of a TV news team covering the event, and the audience soon discovers there is more than a sporting rivalry between the brown animals and the green animals. As the race proceeds, a tiny bunny is lost in the wilds and almost miraculously, color is forgotten as both the mammals and reptiles join in the search.

In case you aren’t familiar: Missoula Children’s Theatre’s mission is the development of life skills in children through participation in the performing arts; for 37 years, MCT crews have been touring around all 50 states and 16 countries. As a former mouse and bat at the precocious ages of 4 and 6, I can safely assure you that Missoula Children’s Theatre puts on a fantastic show while bringing out the best in each child here on San Juan.

Notes to keep you up to date:

• Pat O’Day was scheduled for brain surgery today for that tumor that was discovered earlier this week…here’s more. (Good luck, Pat – cheering for you!)

• Looks there’s a near-record run of sockeye salmon this year – here’s why, and more.

Reni joins Farmers Insurance…

• Tammy Cotton has a new staff member at Farmers Insurance – here’s more:

Reni Copas has joined Tammy Cotton’s Farmers Insurance office.  We focus in auto, home, commercial, life and health insurance.  We strive for excellence in customer service and Farmers Insurance rates are very competitive so please feel free to stop by for a no obligation review and quote of your insurance package.

Tyler (framed & a grad of both FHHS and Naropa University with both a BA and a masters) & Bobby are working on “Anything But Brilliant” & could use a hand with the funding….

It’s always good to hear from Tyler Ryan about what he’s up to as he & Bobby continue to make amazing things happen on stage in Portland….here’s a little update, along with a request for help to fund the project – pretty cool stuff. Here’s more:

Greetings Ian!

Bobby and I have started our newest project–Anything But Brilliant – a love story.

We were recently awarded a month-long residency in order to help develop the play. We have cast and crew of ten professional theatre artists coming together to work on the play for the month of July. We’re received a huge outpouring of community support to help fund this process (provide stipends to the artists, pay for props and set pieces…) and we only need to raise another $2,000 by the end of June to make this project a reality.

Would you be willing to post a notice about the project on the Update? This may be the most inspiring project I’ve ever worked on. Anything But Brilliant follows the story of a couple who has spent forty years of their lives together. The play begins with the passing of one of the lovers. It is a story about grief, but also it is a portrait of the fullest expression of love between people.

The play focuses on the simple experiences these people shared during their day-to-day lives. Breakfasts out, arguments, Costa Rican vacations–these routine, sometimes beautiful, sometime insignificant moments give an intimate glimpse into this couple’s strength and their decades-long commitment.

I am so excited that this project is growing. It truly is art that has the possibility to change peoples’ lives–it is already changing Bobby and my lives. I’m also attaching a couple of photos (an image from Anything But Brilliant and a pic from our new website homepage — www.lightsupproductions.com). The direct link to donate is here.

Thanks so much, Ian!

from the show….

A turkey vulture spreads its wings…photo by Josie Byington

The first week of summer had it all – wind & rain & sunny days to air it all out…hope you got outside for it all. Here’s more:

• The County Democrats are opening their headquarters this weekend, and everyone is welcome to drop by – here’s more from chairwoman Sarah Crosby:

Democracy Corner is back! An open house to celebrate will take place on Sunday, July 1st, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at 135 Second Street (adjacent to the Garden Path Café) to welcome all those who want to preserve democracy, no matter what their political persuasion.

Guests will have an opportunity to browse through papers on many issues and literature from candidates, local, state, and national. They can pick up voter registration forms if they are new to the island or new to voting. Obama bumper stickers and buttons will be available for a suggested donation as well. Light refreshments will be served.

For further information, contact Sarah Crosby, 378-3021.

Jessica & her husband Danny

+++++++++++++

• Courtney Steed-Oldwyn tells me there’s a fundraiser for Jessica Oldwyn this weekend – Jess remains one of the bravest & inspiring people I’ve ever met as she continues to tackle the challenges she faces since she found out she had a brain tumor over two years ago (here’s her blog, which always makes realize how good & precious life is)…and here’s the deal with the cherries:

Bonnie & Bob Oldwyn, Jess and Kaal’s parents will be selling Organic Cherries from Eastern Washington this weekend in Friday Harbor at Kings, Marketplace and Roche Harbor. It will be a fundraiser to help offset Jess’ medical bills. Check it out and buy some cherries!!

++++++++

• The horse show is this weekend! Here’s more from Barbara Bevens:

Come one come all to the Bits ‘n Spurs 4H annual June Horse Show at the San Juan County Fairgrounds, this Friday, Saturday and Sunday June 29, 30 and July 1st.

Bring your cowboy hats and sunscreen, it’s sure to be a great show. Riders of all ages welcome, spectators, too! Come on down every day from 9:00 am till done! Get a pre-taste of this year’s Food, Fair, Fun!

++++++++

+++++++

• The word from Ken Clark at Xtreme Fitness…

Our one-week-only guest yoga instructor Jennifer Deacon will be doing two classes…Tuesday July 3 from 5:00-7:00 pm, and Thursday July 5 from 6:00-8:00 pm…sign up!

++++++++

Cindy Gutierrez passes this one about a friend of us all: “Here is the picture I am hoping you will post for us! This is our way of saying goodbye to our dear friend, Wayne Craig. We wish him nothing but the best in his next adventure. The island sure won’t be the same without him! Love …. the Gang.”

++++++++

• Mary & Smithy tell me the St. Francis Catholic Church Garage Sale is this week from 9am to noon…come on by! (Or come on, buy!)

++++++

• Sorting out the history of the island, especially in the time after first contact with the Europeans, has been a daunting task, and Dr. Jagodinsky has some light to shed on the period – here’s more about this special event this weekend:

Presentation & discussion:

The Family Jewell: A Métis History of San Juan Island and the Puget Sound
By Dr. Katrina Jagodinsky

 Saturday June 30, 2012 at 6:00 pm

San Juan Historical Museum Resource Center
323 Price St.

The history of Métis families (Native American and European ancestry) is like the mist that shrouds the San Juan Island chain: a constant, but elusive, characteristic of the Puget Sound past and present. Come and see through the mist at an upcoming presentation about Nora Jewell, born on San Juan Island around 1864, and one of the first mixed-race women to seek justice within Washington’s territorial legal system.  Nora Jewell’s remarkable story reveals much about the social and political world of Métis families who were so prevalent during the territorial settlement of the island chain.

Professor Jagodinsky’s discussion will follow the course of Nora Jewell’s documented life between 1864 and 1910 to offer a personal glimpse into the efforts of Métis women to maintain their identity and independence during a period of great transition for the indigenous people of San Juan Island and the Puget Sound. Touching on the practice and problems of Métis history, this presentation makes more visible the presence of indigenous and mixed-race families in San Juan’s past and present. Island locals will no doubt recognize family members and old friends in Nora Jewell’s history, while visitors will enjoy learning more about the rich history of cultural diversity on San Juan Island and the nearby mainland.

Dr. Katrina Jagodinsky is assistant professor of history at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is writing a comparative history of Native women’s use of the American legal system in Washington and Arizona between 1854 and 1935.

Suggested donation $5, museum members no charge. Info: 378-3949 or [email protected]

++++++++++++

• The Friday Harbor Art Market is tonight from 5-8pm, and it looks Debbie Pigman has asked Cameron & me to play the first part of the evening, follwed by one of the island’s more accomplished musicians, Robin Lohrey, keyboard, fiddle, singer…..who recently finished his first year at the New England Conservatory in Boston. Come on by! I love singing for you!

+++++++++

Dee with her dog, when she was in her twenties….

Dee

• Just spoke to Marianne Riedman, who wondered if you & I could help her find a dog for her mom – here’s what she has in mind:

SEEKING DOG TO ADOPT: My mom, Dee Riedman, is looking for a sweet, well-behaved, and quiet older dog to adopt (small to medium).

She is 80 years young and has lived on San Juan Island for 30 years.  She now lives in town and would love to adopt a nice, gentle dog who needs a home.

If you know of any, please contact her at  deeriedman (at) hotmail.com.

If you can include a photo of the dog, that would be great!  Thank you!

+++++++++

That’s Mount Rainier this morning around 5am, from the Interpretive Center at Cattle Point…great way to start the day. Photo by Ary Hobbel (thanks, Ary!)

It’s on, tonight at Lavendera Massage Center – here’s more from Dayna:

Thursday, June 28th
7-9pm
285 Spring Street

DOES EVERYONE HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE WELL?

What Would Thomas Jefferson say about the sorry state of American Health?

John Nance

We do not have a “system” of Healthcare in the United States. We have, instead, a massively dysfunctional collection of cottage industries whose financial incentive (fee-for-service) is focused not on overall health, but on responding to illness or perceived illness.

What, for instance, is the billing code for “Wellness?” There is none, and the so-called national “debate” over healthcare has been so hijacked by special interests that the basics are eluding us as a people. With healthcare taking up 18.2% of our Gross National Product (soon to be over 20%), costing 2.8 trillion dollars this year, yet directly affecting no more than 10% of the overall health of 320 million of us, change is a matter of certainty. But will it be collapse, or the beginnings of a true “system?”

You may know John J. Nance (one of our Roche Harbor residents) as the Aviation analyst for ABC World News and the author of 19 best-selling books in a long and productive career (also a retired airline captain and Air Force pilot veteran), but for the last 22 years he has been struggling to infuse the safety lessons from high reliability industries such as aviation into the cottage industry of healthcare, and the process alone has been Kafkaesque.

Join John for a fascinating and very unusual and revealing talk which resonates with what the late Paul Harvey used to call: The Rest of the Story of Healthcare Reform.

Kathy recorded this as part of a fundraiser for the Seva Foundation….beautiful version of Kate Wolf’s most well-known & beloved song. Turn it up, close your eyes, and remember….

The site of so many childhood memories…

On Wednesday, June 20th we lost a beloved friend. It was nameless, but we’ll always remember and treasure all the wonderful memories created with the huge bigleaf maple at English Camp. 

Sad but true, the 300 year old tree at English Camp was cut down a few days ago. Park rangers said the tree was dying and it had to be removed for both environmental reasons & public safety, since it’s sheltered the old barracks building all these years.

Park historian Michael Vouri details the tree’s known history and the park’s notion of making the wood available to local artisans in this fascinating review.

This picture of the bigleaf maple at English Camp was taken the day before it was cut down….

Just that kind of day….Turn Point Lighthouse on Stuart Island, with Mount Baker in the background & friends from L pod…photo by Jim Maya.

Let’s take a quick look at what’s going on:

• Fourth of July Parade – reserved seating for those with special needs is available! Here’s more from Torrey:

Ian and I were walking around Roche Harbor and heard some beautiful music from inside a docked Kenmore sea plane. Here’s Captain Stu and his uke! Waiting for passengers, there’s time to practice his ukelele…

The Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church deacons will set up reserved seating in front of the church for seniors and those with special needs. The restroom facilities inside the church and at 395 Spring St. (house next door to the church) are handicapped accessible and will be available. Chairs with “Reserved” written on them will be placed along the sidewalk. Spaces will be available for wheelchairs also. Please call the church office with your name and number of guests needing reserved seating for the parade. 378-4544
++++++++++++++++++++++

• Wolf Hollow is having a Rummage Sale on Saturday, June 30th from 9am to 3pm at the American Legion! Don’t miss the books, toys, clothes, household items, and other great stuff!

+++++++++++++++++++++

• Did you hear that last night San Juan Pasta’s softball team snuck past Island Towing‘s team 10-5…it was IT’s first loss in seven years! Mike Martin, from the winning side, reported: “I can’t thank Island Towing’s softball team enough for showing a ton of class tonight. They had not been beaten in 7 years and tonight San Juan Pasta’s softball team beat them 10-5. They showed true sportsmanship and showed what a champion looks like.”

+++++++++

Grand opening! Open this week!

• Crow’s Nest Coffee Shoppe is brand new and opening! Not only will they be serving coffee, but stop in for a burger, sandwich, smoothie, or even a hot dog! Located right next to Herb’s.

+++++++++

• Did you know The Place is open for lunch these days? Here’s the scoop…

+++++++++++++

• Welcome back, Alan Niles! Here’s more:

Great family memento (pets too!)…
Acclaimed pet and family portrait photographer, Alan Niles, will be back on the Island in July for custom portraits.

Alan’s back!

Alan has hosted several successful portrait events in the past on the island raising money for FH-APS and his work has been on display at most pet businesses on the island.

Give him a call or email for more details. One lucky client will get a trip to Patos Island for a spectacular portrait with the Patos lighthouse. 360 480 5000 or write [email protected] or check out his website.

+++++++++++++++++++++

Great music, food, dancing, and family fun!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

• The Relay for Life team KeyKiwanis is having a bake sale at Marketplace on Saturday, June 30th. Check out their goodies and help them raise money for cancer research! There will also be a Relay for Life booth in the parade this 4th of July in case you want to walk with them.

A call for creativity…

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Driving out from Roche, we saw Julia White leading a trail ride…they stopped to wave & we stopped to get the picture for you. Looking good, guys!

++++++

This weekend!

If you’re interested in getting some face time in with Republican candidates this weekend, look no further! Here’s more from GOP County Chair Michelle Loftus:

Prominent names such as Kirby Wilbur, the Washington State Republican Party Chair, Rob McKenna, Atty General, Dan Matthews, candidate for US Congress, and John Swapp, candidate for Washington State Senate, Continue Reading

Sunrise this morning from Wildwood Manor….thanks, John!

Beautiful sunny days begin early ’round here….here’s the view from Wildwood Manor, before you & I got up this morning. Well, me, anyway….

Catching the rain on the roadside…photo by John Miller (thanks, John!)

Check it out:

• Always wanted to learn to sail but never had the chance? 

Island Rec and the San Juan Sailing Foundation have teamed up to provide a Learn to Sail program designed for adults and teens.  Taught by Certified U.S. Sailing Instructors, the participants will learn to operate solo in El Toro and Laser boats. Happening on Percich Pond on July 16-20, from 2-5pm, please register online at www.islandrec.org or stop by at 580 Guard St M-F from 1-5pm. If you register by June 28 you will receive $10 off the registration fee of $150.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Meadow helps clean up after a party at the Grange last night….

+++++++

• Award winning documentary LET ME BE FRANK is showing at the library at 7pm on Monday, June 25th. The film follows a man named Frank as he eats only healthy food for 42 days and experiences change in both body and conscience. Immediately after the showing, the movie star/subject will be on Skype and ready to answer your questions! Come on down, watch the film, and enjoy complimentary organic popcorn provided by the Library!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

• Committees, committes…. The Ferry Advisory Committee meeting is happening Wednesday, June 27 at 8:30am in the Large Conference Room on 55 Second St. and a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee meeting will occur on Wednesday, July 11 from 11:30am to 1pm in the Legislative Hearing Room, also located at 55 Second St. Inconvenient for other islanders? Video conferencing will be available at the Orcas Island Library and the Lopez Island Library.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

• Summer ’13 will definitely be raking in the tourists! American Cruise Lines, a Seattle based luxury cruise outfit, is adding the San Juans to their list of offered cruises, stopping in Friday Harbor. For more information click here.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Chelan brings folks from Sidney, B.C. last night as the sun has a couple of hours to go down…the international run has two scheduled runs with the schedule change a week ago…

OPALCO is sending six great high school students from Orcas, San Juan, and Lopez to attend a Co-op Youth Rally at the College of Idaho this summer to learn about energy efficiency. Three of the scholarship winners will receive a check and all will have the ability to earn more scholarships at the rally. Here’s more from Suzanne Olsen, OPALCO’s Communication Specialist:

(Left to Right) Connar Smith, Marne’ Cook, Cameron Schuh, Paige Carlson, Joe
O’Bryant, and Me’Taire Kilpatrick-Boe will represent OPALCO at the Youth Rally leadership camp at the College of Idaho this summer.

The OPALCO Board of Directors presented the Nourdine Jensen Cooperative Youth Scholarship Program award to five high-school students representing three islands: Cameron Schuh (Orcas), Me’Tairie Kilpatrick-Boe (San Juan), Paige Carlson (San Juan), Joe O’Bryant (Lopez) and Marne’ Cook (Lopez). 2011 Scholarship Winner Connar Smith (San Juan) was elected by his peers to return this year as a Youth Director.

Three of the students will receive a $500 scholarship check, once they are registered for continuing education, and all of the students will attend the Co-op Youth Rally leadership camp at the College of Idaho, sponsored by the Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association. All of the students are eligible for additional scholarship awards at the Youth Rally. In the coming school year, the students will give presentations about the scholarship program and about energy efficiency to their peers.

Continue Reading

Democracy can only happen when citizens are informed and responsive. In this case, democracy is referring to a community plan about wildfire and what measures can be taken to prevent it.Here’s more from Brendan Cowan:

A plane flies over a forested area in an effort to prevent wildfires…

The County needs your input on the draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) which will be released for viewing from June 20th to 5pm (last time to post a comment) on July 6th at public libraries on San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and online here. Continue Reading