What often happens is that people fall in love with so much more. There is no doubt that the islands are truly stunning between the fields of lavender, sweeping valley views, water views toward Canada and the mountains. But those that take the time to look a little deeper will not be disappointed. Is seems as though the recognition is spreading nationwide. In just the past few months a few new accolades have been handed to this little string of islands in the Pacific NW.

• San Juan Island named in MSN’s Top 10 Sailing Destinations - http://local.msn.com/travel/guys-guide-to-travel/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=257820289

• San Juan Island named #1 Island on TripAdvisors Top 10 Islands - http://www.usatoday.com/story/dispatches/2013/03/26/tripadvisor-best-islands/2021969/

• President Obama proclaims San Juan Islands National Monument to protect the precious land – http://www.sanjuanislandsnca.org/

• Friday Harbor named Top 10 ‘Art Walk’ town – http://www.sanjuanjournal.com/community/200114111.html

• Friday Harbor High School Ranked 5th in the State of Washington – http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/washington/districts/san-juan-island-school-district/friday-harbor-high-school-21143

So no matter what your reason for coming to visit, you are sure to find a common thread between your personal interests and one of the many things that makes this a very special place.

Enjoy the natural beauty or the people that come to call this home and make this one of the best and most scenic places to live in the US.

As I’m writing this the sun is out, birds are singing, the water is calm and a sea plane just went by my window on approach to Friday Harbor. Does it get any better than that?

Here are some activities that are coming up that I think are of importance to our community and perhaps entertaining:

Open House to meet the candidates for County Manager
“Meet the Candidates for County Manager”
The County has released the names and backgrounds of the six finalists tor the position of County Manager. The SJC Council will host a series of open house meetings on Monday, May 13, 2013, to give residents a chance meet the top candidates. The public will be able to talk with the finalists in an informal setting in sessions on Orcas, Lopez and San Juan Islands, and then provide feedback through the recruiting agency.

After the new Council members are sworn in on Tuesday, May 14, the Council will conduct in-depth interviews with the candidates, along with separate panels made up of community members and representatives of the County staff.

The Council is expected to reach a County Manager hiring decision either that evening or on the morning of May 15th.

The open houses will also give the County Manager candidates the opportunity to learn firsthand about the unique qualities of the islands and their residents.

Open House Meetings Monday, May 13:
Orcas Island – 10:00-11:00 am at the Eastsound Fire Station
Lopez Island – 1:30-2:30 pm at the Lopez Community Center
San Juan Island – 6:30-7:30 pm in the County Courthouse lobby in Friday Harbor

As a follow up to the above meeting try to attend the San Juan Council Special Meeting. This is important.

SJ County Council Special Meeting
Special Meeting on May 14, 2013-
8:45 AM 9:00 AM – Call to order
Swearing in of new council members – Judge Stewart Andrew
Election of Chair and Vice Chair
Review of May 21, 2013 public hearings record by incoming council.
Reception
9:30 AM – Executive Session: Evaluation of Qualifications of Applicant(s) for Public Employment pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(1)(g) – Pamela Morais, Human Resources Manager; Randall Gaylord, Prosecuting Attorney, Greg Prothman, Prothman Associates
12:00 PM – Lunch Recess (time approximate)
1:00 PM – Executive Session Continued: Evaluation of Qualifications of Applicant(s) for Public Employment pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(1)(g)
5:00 PM – Adjourn (Time Approximate)

If you want to learn more about our island history you might want to attend the “The Crook House” lecture at the San Juan Historical Museum.

Lecture: ‘The Crook House’ at the Historical Museum
Friday, May 17th – The Crook House: A San Juan Island Icon. An illustrated program by Historian Mike Vouri and chat with San Juan Islanders. Time & Location: 7pm, San Juan Historical Museum, 405 Price Street, Friday Harbor, WA. Price: $5 suggested donation. Info: www.nps.gov/sajh/index.htm and www.sjmuseum.org Sponsor: San Juan Island National Historical Park and the San Juan Historical Museum

Here’s a unique opportunity to see some of our historic homes on San Juan Island. This one should not be missed.

Historic Home Tour on San Juan Island
Sat., May 18th – SJI Historic Home Tour. A unique opportunity to tour several historic San Juan Island homes. Time & Location: 11am-4pm. Various locations on San Juan Island; map provided Admission: $20 admission price for the full tour. Contact: www.sjmuseum.org

Here’s the best one of the week. I’ve done this before and Yellow Island is absolutely spectacular. Sign up early as the “Pintail” can only hold so many. Enjoy!

Wildflower Tour of Yellow Island
Sun. May 19th – Wildflower Tour of Yellow Island. Come aboard the Pintail for a trip to Yellow Island for a glimpse of more than 50 species of wildflowers. Time & Location: Depart from Shipyard Cove at 10 am. Price: $20 per person and available in advance at the Historical Museum. All proceeds benefit the San Juan Historical Museum. Info. 360-378-3949, www.sjmuseum.org

They can be seen off the west coast of San Juan Island usually beginning this month or a bit earlier, and continuing until September or October. Do you want to know if the whales are passing by the island during your visit? The best place to find them is along the west side of San Juan Island. The road goes along close to the shore, past Deadman’s Bay, then ends at the Whale Watch Park. If you are driving along this scenic route and you see a cluster of boats or cars parked along the road, the reason for this activity is likely the presence of some Orca Whales. If you are a fan, then pull over into one of the public viewing areas or go to Whalewatch Park, which includes a lighthouse. Bring your binoculars.

The San Juan County Land Bank has purchased property along this westside corridor that is adjacent to Deadman’s Bay with funds from a buyers’ tax on island real estate sales. There are places to pull over and go sit on the rocks and wait for the Orcas to come by as they eat off of the kelp beds that are close to shore. Often you can hear their breathing as these huge mammals rise for air. They will likely be travelling in a pod, so look long out into the horizon to find other Orcas swimming along this feeding grounds back and forth between Victoria B.C. down to the southern end of San Juan Island. You may also spot Minke Whales, and bald eagles like to sit in nearby tall trees. Most whale spottings are of the J-Pod or the L-Pod, and San Juan Islanders consider these whales their own “resident” pods. Each pod member is identified by their dorsal fin, which are different from each other. They are given names and kept track of by the local whale museum and other researchers.

Sometime you will see some transient Orcas which are not among the members of the local pods. These males will go after seals and put on quite a show. Last month a whale watch boat was excited to see about seven transient whales go after a huge Stellar sea lion by crashing their bodies into it.

If you decide to go whale watching on a boat, be sure the boat cuts the motor when whales come near. You may not get to see Orcas on every trip as they do not make regularly scheduled performances. You will know you have seen one when you spot the black triangle of their dorsal fin rising above the surface and then sinking again. You may be lucky enough to see the Orcas spyhopping up out of the water and sending out a huge splash on the way down. Sometimes you can even spot the young whales swimming close to their mothers. Those of us who live on San Juan never tire of seeing these magnificent animals. Each Spring we look forward to welcoming them back home. A choral group from Seattle comes each year and sings to them and sometimes they respond by coming closer to shore as they do seem to like music. For my daughter’s wedding we had live music and were overwhelmed when they spyhopped several times in the nearby sea as they listened. For more information about whales, you can visit the whale museum in downtown Friday Harbor or online. You can even participate by adopting and Orca.

Into the Woods opened last Friday, April 26 at San Juan Community Theatre, complete with a multi-talented cast, orchestra and stellar set and costumes thanks to a multitude of island volunteers. “I tell people who ask me about the play that Act I is all of the characters going into the woods to realize their wish,” said director Margaret Hall. “Act II is ‘be careful what you wish for.” Intertwining the Brothers Grimm stories of Cinderella, Jack in the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood, the play is a “never a dull moment” mixture of almost nonstop music and singing, plot twists and turns that take us on a one-of-a-kind journey into the woods.  Because Into the Woods does take a more mature-themed turn in Act II, the special matinee for children and families on Sunday at 2:00 pm, will feature only the first act. Into the Woods continues Thursday through Sunday, May 2-5 and Thursday through Saturday, May 9-11. Tickets are available on-line at www.sjctheatre.org or at the SCJT box office 360-378-3210

Visitors to Peace Island Medical Center in Friday Harbor expect to find a state-of-the-art place for healing. They may not expect to find such a superb art collection housed within its walls and on its grounds. To highlight this facet of PIMC, Peace Island Volunteers invite the community to come enjoy (and learn more about) the spectacular art on display at “Art in the Afternoon” -a special fund raising event to be held on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 4:00pm.

• Enjoy lunch on the deck of Downriggers as you watch the WSF come and go, the whale watch boats bring adventuresome folks in from the trip, and possibly ‘Popeye’ the resident one-eyed seal
• Be adventurous and take a trip on the San Juan Outfitters boat to see the whales and other beautiful scenery around the islands
• Get a delicious latte or cup of tea from Crow’s Nest and walk the docks at the Port of Friday Harbor
• Head to the south side of the island and go agate hunting on South Beach, I hear you can find huge agates there!
• Go mid island and enjoy a glass of San Juan Vineyards wine on their deck while watching our resident camel, Mona, parade around enticing passersby to feed her
• Continue to the north side of the island and enjoy an ice cream cone while walk through the sculpture park just before you get to Roche Harbor Resort
• Walk the loop around Armadale Road-White Point Road and stop in at the local gin distillery; I understand it’s quite tasty!

Try a few or all of these things in the days and weeks to come. These are just some of the many wonderful things that we get to enjoy by living on this beautiful island. Enjoy the smiles and hello’s as you walk by others, the sound of the birds soaring overhead, the sound of the waves crashing onto shore, or simply the peace and quiet when you sit down and take a minute to smell the proverbial roses.

The San Juans are truly a magnificent place!

Time to request an extension if you can’t meet April 15 tax deadline
April 15, 2013 is the due date for filing your federal individual income tax return for the 2012 calendar year.
If you cannot file by the deadline, you need to request an extension. There are electronic and paper options available to file an extension. Learn more about your options. http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc304.html
Requesting an extension of time to file is NOT an extension of time to pay.
There are a number of ways to find free tax help. The IRS has trained volunteers and tax counseling programs. Find out if you qualify for tax counseling. http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers
For detailed information on tax help, download the 2012 IRS Guide to Free Tax Services (PDF). http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p910.pdf

On a lighter note there is still a chance to see “A Number” that will be performed this week from the 18th through the 21st. This is a MUST SEE!

Island Stage Left’s “A Number”performances Thursday-Sunday through April 21
Island Stage Left’s spring show – “A Number” by Caryl Churchill – a taut, psychological thriller, set slightly in the future and centered around the themes of father/son relationships, genetics and cloning, is presented this weekend at 7:30 p.m. at the San Juan County Fairgrounds this weekend: Thursday, April 11, Friday April 12 and Saturday April 13. A matinee takes place at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 14.
The play wraps up its run April 21. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays – Saturdays and at 4 p.m. Sunday.
Caryl Churchill is probably the most important playwright to emerge from England in the last 50 years. She changed the face of modern theatre with her ground-breaking plays “Top Girls” and “Cloud Nine” and continues to innovate and amaze.
Here are some of the reviews of this particular work:

• ‘Thought-provoking, superbly-written and sharply acted. Everything you could ask for from a play.’Edel Coffey – Dublin – Abbey

• Human cloning is the subject of this beguiling hour-long psychological thriller that blends topical scientific speculation with a stunning portrait of the relationship between fathers and their sons. The Off-Broadway production starred Dallas Roberts and Sam Shepherd.

• “Rarely in my theatre going experience has a new play conveyed such a disturbing or enthralling impression of domestic weirdness…. An astonishing event.”” – Evening Standard

• Magnificent…. Contains more drama, and more ideas, than most manage in a dozen full-length works…. It combines elegant structural simplicity with an astonishing intellectual and emotional depth…. What a tremendous play this is, moving, thought-provoking and dramatically thrilling.” – Daily Telegraph

• “Churchill’s power to grip an audience is an extraordinary thing. Her plays perform a pincer-movement on your attention. Their ear for a subject of real concern … has always been acute, and often prescient.” – Observer.

This Friday try to attend Chamber Music San Juans and hear “The Winds of Yarrow. NOT TO BE MISSED!

Chamber Music San Juans The Winds of Yarrow April 19
Returning to the Whittier Stage after an enthusiastically successful debut concert in the 2011 Season, the Winds of Yarrow promise to bring back all the fun and spine tingling excitement from 2011. Chamber Music San Juans Presents The Winds of Yarrow at 7:30 pm Friday, April 19 at Whittier Theatre at San Juan Community Theatre.
Take four virtuoso clarinetists and a remarkably versatile string bass player and combine them with outstanding and a delightfully diverse repertoire and you have the formula for one unique evening of music. Suitable for the entire family, this is a concert not to be missed.
Musicians include clarinetists Patricia Kostek, Rebecca Hissen (Eb clarinet), Rainer Roth (bass clarinet), jazz specialist Tom Ackerman and Bruce Miekle, string bass. Artistic Director: Patricia Kostek

Have a great week and enjoy our beautiful Spring!

You have good taste or are good at internet research if you have chosen San Juan Island as a travel destination. TripAdvisor.com voters have placed us as the number one island to visit in the entire USA. That includes the Hawaiian Island, too. As to the ratings of top islands in the entire world, we come in forth, which is not bad, either. If you are here this weekend below are some things you might check out. This list is compiled from my personal favorites on San Juan, not scheduled events.

The Alpaca Farm called Crystal Acres off of West Valley Road. You can pull your car over to the driveway which goes down to the barn as there is plenty of parking. Outside, you can visit the friendly Alpacas and inside you can see wonderful yarn and garments and toys which are made from their lofty fleece. Take your camera for some good photo opportunities.

Walk the docks at either the port of Friday Harbor or the marina at Roche Harbor on the north side of the island. You will see some awesome boats at either place. At the port there is a float plane dock as well as a fish market where you might see Popeye, our one-eyed resident seal rear her friendly head above the water. At Roche Harbor you may hear the little church pump out the organ music or see the local boys raise and lower the flags. In the distance you will see Pearl Island from many viewpoints on the hill above the Harbor.

If it is rainy weather you might go to the interesting whale museum which focuses on our local Orcas. They won’t be in the waters here until around May first, but you can come back and visit them then when you know what to look for. There are plenty of galleries for a rainy day, also. Many feature local items from the many creative people that enjoy living here. If you are a knitter or quilter or craftsperson you might especially enjoy the gallery on Spring Street which is a converted hardware store. It is painted blue and is run by the artists who sell their work within. Since the days of the Hudson Bay, sheep have been a rewarding island livestock and still today women enjoy spinning their wool and fashioning it into knit and woven items and felt. It doesn’t get much more local than that!

San Juan Island is as unique and different as the other ferry served islands in the San Juans. Do not feel that if you have seen one you have seen all as the islands are full of secrets and surprises. The inter-island ferry will take you to visit the other islands without the long wait lines of the ferries that travel to the mainland, so take the opportunity for an afternoon visit before you return to San Juan for the evening meal on the number one island in the United States.

As many as 150 sailors from high schools across the region — Oregon and California too (a first) — will put knowledge and skills to test during the two-day sailing regatta, sponsored by the San Juan Sailing Foundation.

The regatta features a “fleet race”, in which “everybody gets a boat,” SJSC coach Dez Bridgmon said.

That means as many as 30 boats in the queue at the start line, with races averaging 8-15 minutes, depending on wind. Competition begin mid-morning on both days. Races will be held in Vanguard sail boats.

San Juan County becomes National Monument

San Juan Islands National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located in the Puget Sound area in the state of Washington. The monument protects archaeological sites of the Coast Salish people, lighthouses and relics of early European American settlers in the Pacific Northwest, and biodiversity of the island life in the region. The monument was created from existing federal land by President Barack Obama on March 25, 2013 under the Antiquities Act.

The national monument consists of approximately 75 separate sites totaling roughly 1,000 acres (4 km2) in area.

The latest accolade according to Barbara Marrett at the Vistors’ Bureau is that Friday Harbor was selected as one of the great artists’ town in the US. Friday Harbor is listed in the top 10 along with Carmel, CA, The Hamptons, NY and Hilton Head, SC to name a few.
“America the Beautiful – The United States Destination Marketing Agency” says this about us: “From paintings and photographs to sculptures, fiber art and pottery, Friday Harbor, Washington is alive with art — and artists. You’ll see murals and tile mosaics by islanders on buildings and walls (check out the hardware store), and a stroll through the galleries, gift shops, and boutiques will give you a taste of the extraordinary variety of artwork created on this small island.” So take some time to visit our local shops that are getting recognized nationally.

Thursday night, March 28th you have the opportunity to help raise money for Dollars for Scholars by simply eating out during the day. The annual ‘Dining for Scholars’ event sees many generous restaurants and cafes in town donating a percentage of their proceeds to the Dollars for Scholar program. The program awards scholarships to graduating seniors based on community involvement and not grades. For more information about the program go to www.dollarsforscholarssji.org. For a list of the participating restaurants go to www.sanjuanupdate.com and click on the banner ad. It’s an amazing event for an amazing program, join us!

Jazz Benefit Concert March 29th at the San Juan Community Theatre. This fundraiser for Friday Harbor’s Band Families and Friends brings “a bona fide player in the arena of straight-ahead jazz” to the Whittier stage to mix it up with islanders. The concert is at 7 p.m. Friday, March 29 at San Juan Community Theatre.

On Tuesday March 19 consider taking your partner (partner not required) to the “Beginning Waltz” class at XYZ.
Waltz is perhaps one of the most graceful and elegant dances, with long sweeping movements, turning figures, and stylish poses that command attention on the dance floor.
No partner needed and no previous dance experience required. Casual attire. Hard soled, non-marking shoes recommended.
$40 per person, Student Discount $25
Friday Night Dancing at XYZ (7-9pm) is a great way to reinforce what you are learning in class. These dances (which occur MOST Friday nights), are open to everyone, with a focus on ballroom dancing, although no dance experience is needed and no partner required. $5 per person

On Wednesday March 20 there will be a meeting on the Sale of the Medical Center Building. I think this will be very interesting to see what may happen to our former Medical Center Building but then I’m in the Real Estate business. I’ll be there.
Public Meeting regarding sale of Inter Island Medical Center Building
SAN JUAN COUNTY PHD 2013 NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING SALE OF OLD INTER ISLAND MEDICAL CENTER BUILDING AND PROPERTY LOCATED AT 550 SPRING ST. The property consists of a building and property. A public hearing will be held on March 20, 2013 at 5 PM at 1079 Spring Street to discuss the surplus and sale and surplus and lease of the property aforementioned.

On Thursday March 21 the play “A Number” is opening and presented by Stage Left.
A psychological thriller about father and son, that lasts only one hour
onstage, but whose impact will have you talking about it long after the
curtain falls! Thursday, March 21st, 2013 07:30 PM – 08:30 PM
Cost: Free. Donations appreciated
Location: San Juan County Fairgrounds – 4H Building 660 Argyle Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Contact: Helen Machin-Smith 360 378 5649

Other Dates For This Event:
Friday, March 22nd, 2013
Saturday, March 23rd, 2013
Thursday, March 28th, 2013
Friday, March 29th, 2013

On Saturday how about a 3 hour walk at Lime Kiln Point State Park.
Know Your Island Walk at Lime Kiln Point State Park
Meet Sarah Hanson, SJI Conservation Corps leader & Program Manager and the student participants to walk at Lime Kiln Point Sate Park and learn about their work during summer 2012. View the results of youth trail building and maintenance. Meet and park at Lime Kiln Point State Park, 1567 West Side Rd.(Discovery or day pass is required). Length is 2 mi.overall. Rating is medium. Terrain is park trail. Dogs on leashes? yes.

I’m going to the music festival at the Grange on March 24. This should be really amazing and I hope to see you there.
Salish Sea Early Music Festival at the Grange
Renaissance flutist Jeffrey Cohan, violinist Courtney Kuroda, violist Steven Creswell and harpsichordist Kyobi Hinami perform late renaissance and early baroque works between 1570 and 1630 from Milan, London and Paris, all vibrant centers of chamber music activity that holds many mysteries. Once again the third annual Salish Sea Early Music Festival explores a unique musical palette and language of expressive nuance from all but forgotten musical genres. Renaissance transverse flutes are very seldom to be heard today. Among the composers to be represented are Giovanni Paulo and Andrea Cima, Giovanni Bassano, Girolamo Frescobaldi, William Byrd, William Lawes, Thomas Morely and Pierre Guédron. Sunday, March 24th, 2013 07:00 PM – 08:30 PM

Cost: suggested donation $15 or $20, 18 and under free
Friday Harbor Grange Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Contact:  Salish Sea Early Music Festival (360) 378-6632

Try to get out and enjoy what our island has to offer. Until next time.