Kathy Chadwick tells me husband Mike was Dr. Michelle Reynolds' very first patient in the new spot on Blair Avenue, which opened this week.

Let’s see what’s happening, folks:

First place Saturday: Former FHHS standout MAdison Judkins won the women's side of Island Rec's 8.8K Loop Run last weekend, coming in just under 40 minutes.

• The book club meets this week, according to Nancy Larsen:

Griffin Bay Book Club meets Friday, August 26, 7:00 pm to discuss “The Help,” by Kathryn Stockett. Everyone is welcome to attend!

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• The fundraiser for Terry is Friday…got your ticket? Here’s the details.

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• Friday & Saturday the Chameleons play at Roche Harbor!

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Tom Small's new piece outside Waterworks....Raven Shield.

• New at Water Works – here’s the story from Ruth:

Summer, where did it go?

Hard to believe it is the middle of August.

Labor Day will arrive soon, and all that fall brings to the Islands.

Last Monday, the Gumaelius family [Robin, John and their 4 children (under 8)]  delivered to the gallery, a beautiful collection of new works both large and small. The images range from their signature playful multi headed playful creatures to their small, colorful circus birds.

Linda Lighton recently installed Luminous – Three Flower chandelier in the gallery. This light fixture has 3 white porcelain hanging flowers, anchored to the ceiling with a porcelain leaf motif. Quite stunning, especially when viewed in the evening.

When you walk by the Argyle Street entrance to the gallery, notice the newly installed Tom Small’s Raven Shield. Standing 9 ft tall, intricately carved in basalt, granite with a stainless steel joint. Very beautiful when seen in the morning light.

The new building is open! The Tooth Ferry is open on Blair Avenue this week...photo by Kathy Chadwick.

Hey, you know the Sliders are at the Rumor Mill, right?

and, Kirk has more about his show at Isle Be Jammin‘:

Hello lovers of music and fine entertainment!  In our  continuing effort to offer affordable, professional, world class and  intimate music shows,  Mellowoods and Music Services presents: Austin Texas’ Bluesman/Guitarist Steve James

Live at Isle be Jammin’  Performer’s Showcase
Thursday, August   25th      7:30pm
Tickets($10) on sale at the store now 378 5151

Steve is an amazing performer and superb guitarist, musicologist, historian, story teller, world traveler, recording artist and expert teacher. Featuring  Blues, Ragtime, Novelty and Expert Slide Guitar, plus Powerful Vocals!!!! Check out stevejames.com

The cast is ready - the show opens on Friday!

Here’s the word from Jan at the Community Theatre about this weekend’s play – looks like a winner! Here’s the deal:

Live from Friday Harbor…it’s a modern twist on those old-fashioned radio shows!

Written by John Davis and Therese Finn and directed by Therese Finn and Susan Williams, KWIT Radio Hour brings big microphones, special sound effects, live music and silly comedy to San Juan Community Theatre’s intimate Gubelman Theatre starting Friday, August 26 at 8 pm.

The play is brought to you by Witsend Productions, a group of island actors and comedians who have produced many plays, radio shows and events at various venues around San Juan Island. (Remember the fabulous New Year’s Eve galas at the Fairgrounds?).  The players will don and doff the personas of Sam Chowder, Vivian West, Honey Henderson, Johnny Lately and a bevy of babies, as they act, sing and provide short and funny commercial breaks—all before their studio audience!

In addition to John and Therese, the cast features Therese’s husband, Daniel, Patti Bair, Keith Busha, Julie Greene, Gretchen Gubelman, Shannon Kelley, Julie Laidlaw,
Rev Shannon and Susan Williams.

KWIT Radio Hour continues Saturday and Sunday at 8 pm and then next Thursday-Saturday, September 1-4 at 8 pm.  REMEMBER—the Gubelman has limited seating capacity, so don’t take your island time getting tickets.  Tickets are available at the box office 378-3210 or on-line at www.sjctheatre.org

The WSF has a quarter of a million coming our way....photo by Jerusha Turner (thanks, Jerus!)

Joy at the Washington State Ferries has an announcement that we want to hear (and here’s the report from Congressman Rick Larsen’s office):

The Friday Harbor ferry terminal will get a safety upgrade thanks to a $240,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division (WSF) will use the funding to build a barrier and gate to keep walk-on customers separated from vehicle traffic during ferry loading and off-loading. The project will also include signs to direct foot passengers to the terminal exit, town landmarks, and pick-up/drop-off areas.

“Safety is our top priority, and we welcome the chance to improve the service we provide to our customers at the Friday Harbor terminal,” said David Moseley, assistant secretary for WSF.

Nearly 200,000 walk-on passengers passed through the Friday Harbor terminal last year. Separating walk-on passengers and vehicle traffic will improve safety and traffic flow for both groups of ferry customers, and improved signage will help walk-on passengers more easily make their way from the ferry into town.

WSF applied for the grant funding from FHWA’s Ferry Boat Discretionary Funding Program. Project design will get under way as early as next month. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2012 with completion in mid- to late 2013. Detailed terminal information, including traffic cameras, is available on the Friday Harbor terminal page.

Norma Lorene Fitzgerald Haney

Norma Haney died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, August 14 at 4pm.

She was born in Foster Oklahoma, March 5, 1922 to Maude Lea Wyatt and Joseph Winfred Fitzgerald.  She met the love of her life and her future husband, L.W. Haney when she was in the fourht grade.

They married September 20, 1941 in Wayne, Oklahoma.  Norma and her family moved to West Texas where she discovered a love for painting.  She was a very talented artist specializing in oil landscapes and painted china.  She eventually moved to Ruidoso New, Mexico, enjoying life in the Glencoe Valley on their ranch.  When her beloved L.W. passed away March 12, 1998, she eventually found her way with her daughter, Judy, to the San Juan Islands in Washington State.

She loved to go the beach, collect sea glass, play with her Shih Tzu dogs and be with her family which she loved dearly.

Norma who was affectionately known as “Granny” was a supporter and member of the Choctaw Nation.  Her mother, Maude Lea Wyatt Fitzgerald was an original enrollee of the Choctaw Nation; a fact of which Norma was extremely proud.

Granny is preceded in death by her mother and father, her husband, L.W. her brothers, Kenneth, Joe Lee, her son-in law Calvin Wesch.  She is survived by her daughter, Judy Wesch of Friday Harbor, her son Phil Haney, daughter in law Lynda Haney of Eastland Texas, her sister and brother in law, Linda and Jack Justice of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.  Granny has 8 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 11 nieces, nephews, and too many to count great nieces and great-nephews as well as a large extended community of friends and family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor, P.O. Box 1355, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250; 360.378.2158. or Hospice of the Northwest, 819 S. 13^th Street, Mt. Vernon, Washington 98274.

A graveside service will be held in Midland, Texas on Saturday, August 2oth at 9am.  The family will host a celebration of Granny’s life on San Juan Island at a later date.

Submitted by the family of Norma Haney.

Otto relaxes after the race....photo by Cere Demuth

Saturday’s Island Rec 8.8K Loop Run continued a grand tradition from the 1970s, and former FHHS track star Otto Schmidt continued posting great times for the event, as he won in 30:15 minutes….

Complete results will be posted later this week when they’re available!

It’s the Turtles, in 1967….

It sure is nice to hear from folks they had a good time at the Fair this year, as the annual gathering of the tribe moves into its last day today.

Thanks to these friends for sharing their photos, and smiles, to give you a sense of what a wonderful week it’s been!

Lisa Brown says hey to her friend Mike Carlson...photo by Janice Peterson

The Zucchini 500! Wahoo! ...photo by Aaron Shepard

Chelan Taylor rides with the flag while Maggie Shaw sings the national anthem; Vida Wight enjoys a candy apple...photos by Cere Demuth

Nakayla (left) takes a bite from her candy apple, while Allison & Erin eat a snow cone & elephant ear...photos by Cere Demuth

That's my girl! Rich Peterson cheers while Kira (right) and the Chameleons play Thursday night...photos by Janice Peterson.

Ready to play at the Fair...photo by Aaron Shepard

Bumper cars...watch out! Photo by Aaron Shepard

Jen Fleming is joined by a couple of friends at the Library's booth...photo by Cere Demuth

Debbi Fincher says the kids are having a good time:

These youth enjoy hanging out together at the fair, but also enjoy some time making t-shirts with healthy messages at the SJI Prevention Coalition booth. Come by and make your free t-shirt, too! Only a dayvleft for the 2011 Fair. We also enjoy sharing the booth with the Lopez Island Prevention Coalition members and volunteers. Together, we are making a difference.

If someone asked you, “So, what is there at the Fair that’s so cool?” and you could only say one thing, I bet you’d say: “The smiles.”

Watch for ’em the next couple of days…that what Fairs are for. It’s when we all come together…

It's a good ride...photo by Kevin Holmes

Vida (left) and Jen show off this year's Fair tee shirts...photo by Cere Demuth

That's Candace Jagel at the Ag tent, in disguise...photo by Cyndi Brast.

You can see more of Cyndi’s portfolio of Fair photos here…thank, Cyndi!

Fun at the fair! Photos by Kevin Holmes (thanks, Kevin!)

Francie Hansen (left) organized another awesome Fashion Trashion Show on Wednesday night - wahoo! And Tommy & Nila are looking after the coffee & yummy food booth again this year....photos by Cere Demuth (thanks, Cere!)

Fashion Trashion in action, Wednesday night: That's Satchel Bourne (Elvis), and Ayana Berube and Isla Ross (right)....photos by Jane Buck (you rock!)

Stella & Lucy Tarte show off the ribbons they got with their sheep Night & Day...photo by Cere Demuth.

The more I see the less I know….this is the morning song to get things going before you go over to the Fair – here’s Michael Franti & Spearhead (sorry about the advert at the first, but it’s short):

Kerry & the girls were cheering on the musicians at the Main Stage at the San Juan County Fair on Wednesday...photo by Cere Demuth.

There are some Thursday-specific things you’ll want to know about:

The show ends its run this weekend....

• This is the last weekend of The Winter’s Tale by Island Stage Left, performed at Roche Harbor. The last three shows are tonight, Friday, and Saturday at 8:15pm….and be sure &  bring a blanket for when it cools down later in the evening. Here are a few comments from folks who saw it (I saw it, too, and would agree):

“I was very impressed by the caliber of the production. The time just whizzed by right up to the end.  Lots of entertainment to watch. Shakespeare would have enjoyed it himself!”

“After seeing the play last night I’ve decided that “The Winter’s Tale”   is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays.   I love the we way are dropped into the height of paranoia and supreme tragedy and like a fairy tale we are lifted out and into a world where laughter reigns and beings make peace.”

“It was spectacular!  Really professional, top quality acting from all.”

Courtney drew a crowd, singing at the Fair yesterday...photo by Cere Demuth.

• Friend of mine who knows I believe that you have to have twelve or more hugs a day to stay emotionally healthy told me she found she’s ahead on her daily quota after visiting friends at the Fair yesterday. Yep, that’s what Fairs are for….

• Glad to hear the Library levy lid lift passed on Tuesday. Keeping our great Library great is an awesome move, and it’s also cool to see more than 60% of the island voting for it.

• Did you hear the 8:10am ferry from Friday Harbor to Anacortes was cancelled for repairs this morning? You might want to check for updates on that (it jiggles the schedule for the rest of the day) if you’re going anywhere…

• Hey, players! If you’re going to play any sport at Friday Harbor High you need a sports physical – all day today (Thursday, August 18) and Monday, August 22 from 1:30-4:30pm are the last days of the $35.00 Sport Physical Clinics at San Juan Healthcare.

• At Waterworks Gallery tonight at 7pm this month’s featured artists Melinda Hannigan and Jan Hoy have an Artist Talk – come meet the people behind the creation!

The firefighters are ready to show off the ways you can put fires out & stay safe....photo by Kevin Holmes (thanks, Kevin!)

Yesterday the Fairgrounds were overrun with islanders (from all the islands) bringing pictures, food, animals, more food, music equipment, and all kinds of things to set up for today’s opening.

Everything you need to know about what & when & how about the Fair is here…see you at the Fair!

The Fair runs from tomorrow to Saturday this week!

Last year’s San Juan County Fair was well-run, had great weather, good food, great entertainment – the whole shootin’ match. Here’s a little vid of faces you’ll remember, and yours, probably.

Whether you’re coming for the first time (and if you just moved here, you’re crazy to miss it!) or for your fourth or fifth decade & just can’t keep away, the Fair is our annual gathering of the tribe which brings the islands together as well the hearts of islanders.

Makes me smile to see so many smiles….

From yesterday - Monika Wieland continues to amaze with her awesome killer whale photos. She notes: "This is J28 Polaris and her calf J46 Star surfacing nose to nose on Sunday off of Land Bank's Westside Preserve. It was pretty awesome with about 30 whales passing very close to shore! More photos from the encounter are up on my blog."

Let’s see what else is going on:

• I keep hearing from folks that they’re getting their stuff ready for the Fair…see you there! Gonna be a good one.

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• Did I mention I love Monika’s pictures? Here’s her blog – you’ll like it too….

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• Debbie Pigman says the Art Market at Brickworks is this Thursday from 5-8pm.  Located at the Brickworks Plaza on Sunshine Alley. Local artists and entertainment by Robin Lohrey (5pm) and the band the Sonic Vandals (6:30pm)!

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• Here’s the word from Helen about fruit flies:

“GOT FRUIT FLIES?…NEED A GOOD TRAP?”

Groucho  Marx said: “Time flies like an arrow but fruit flies like a banana.”

So many beautiful fruits are out there this time of year.  (Thank you, local farmers, for the strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)  With gardens abundant, there are now more food scraps to compost than ever so this is certainly fruit fly time!

Here’s a fruit fly trap that you can put together very easily and that’s guaranteed to clear the air.  Put 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a small glass.  Cover it with plastic food wrap or a plastic lid from a yogurt container.  Poke many holes into it with a fork or whatever works.  Place where needed!

Keep on composting!  It’s good for the environment and good for lowering your trash bill.

Helen Venada, Waste Reduction and Hazardous Waste Coordinator,
San Juan County Solid Waste Division

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Yesterday morning, an island friend accidentally hit the gas and went through the door at Griffin Bay Bookstore...nobody was hurt, and things were cleaned up by mid-day.

It’s been a long time coming – the merger of the two fire departments on the island…here’s more from Carolyn:

For many years, the Friday Harbor Fire Department and San Juan Island Fire Rescue have conducted lengthy studies and sat through numerous discussions trying to negotiate the possibility of operating as one entity.

On Thursday August 11th, the Board of Commissioners of the San Juan Island Fire Department signed the final paperwork making that goal a reality.

Both Town Administrator King Fitch and District Fire Chief Steve Marler applauded the decision, which most recently reemerged as a plan in December of last year.

“We’ve been hoping to accomplish the goal of a unified fire service for more than twenty years,” The long-time Town Administrator told the Fire Commissioners.  “It feels very good to be able to say that together we’ve finally accomplished this.”

According to San Juan Island’s Fire Chief Steve Marler, “This is one of those rare opportunities where everyone realizes a benefit.  The Town realizes a cost savings.  The Fire District will receive a fair payment for their services.  The Island’s volunteer firefighters now receive standardized training and use one set of procedures.  Everyone can feel better knowing that the closest emergency help will respond, regardless of any boundary lines on a map.”

In an interlocal agreement approved in June with the Town of Friday Harbor, the San Juan Island Fire Department provides fire protection services to Friday Harbor at a cost that is equal to the amount that the District would collect from property taxes if the Town was annexed into the Fire District.

The District will lease the Town’s ladder truck, a recently purchased fire engine, the Fire Boat Confidence and miscellaneous tools and equipment.  At the expiration of the lease agreements, the District will own that equipment.

The Town of Friday Harbor Fire Department, which was founded in 1909, provided protection for 1.25 square miles of incorporated Friday Harbor.  The Fire District was established in 1958 after several independent neighborhood stations were established around the island and wanted to operate jointly. The District covers the 56 square miles outside the Town limits and also includes Brown and Pearl islands.

The two departments have worked well together for many years including joint training, fire prevention education and with mutual support for emergency calls in each other’s territory.  Many believed the most efficient, safest and cost-effective way to operate was as one entity. Hence the ongoing efforts to consolidate have waxed and waned over time but never died.

At some point in the future, voters in the District and those in the Town will be asked whether to expand the Fire District’s boundaries to include the Town.  If that happens, the interlocal agreement would no longer be necessary.  A ballot date has not been determined.  In the meantime, the interlocal agreement is valid through 2015.

“For the public, as well as the firefighters, the transition has been so smooth that there hasn’t been a noticeable difference or cause for concern,” Marler said.  “I look forward to a bright future for the Island’s fire protection.  The result of combining our resources is clearly more effective.”