Memorial service is Thursday, 5 p.m., at St. Francis Church for Beatriz Velilla de Tobon of Friday Harbor. Mrs. Tobon passed away July 25. She was 64. Her family remembered her today as a person who loved children, loved dancing and parties, and enjoyed the company of friends.
The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing new rules on vessel traffic aimed at further protecting Southern Resident killer whales. The resident killer whale pods, the subject of intense curiosity — from kayakers as well as tourists crowding the decks of commercial whale-watching vessels — were added to the Endangered Species list in late 2005. Their population is 85, according to the Center for Whale Research.
Common Sense Alliance is hosting a public meeting on the Critical Areas Ordinance today, 5 p.m., in Friday Harbor High School’s Hall Gymnasium.
Numerous islanders are descendants of American soldiers and British marines who served here during the joint military occupation of San Juan Island.
What we now call the Pig War was referred to in 19th century documents and press coverage as the “San Juan Affair,” “San Juan Imbroglio,” and “San Juan Difficulty.” The term “Pig War” is likely a local creation. “It is a 20th century iteration,” historian Mike Vouri said. “I have never seen it in 19th century documents.”
The release parties celebrate the CD “We Rocked and Rolled / The First 25 Years With Jim Basnight: The Moberlys and Beyond.” “This is a huge step,” said Basnight, 52, a former stockbroker. “I moved to New York City when I was 19 to pursue music, and I’ve been pursuing music and supporting myself as a musician for the last 17 years.”
Joan Komen passed away July 23 at her home in Roche Harbor after a courageous two-year struggle with ovarian cancer. She was 71. A celebration of her life will be held at Roche Harbor Resort Pavilion on July 29, 2 p.m.; and at Seattle Golf Club on Aug. 5 at 4 p.m.
By all accounts, Storm Bridgmon was one cool character. He was named after a brand of bowling ball, enjoyed rock climbing and exploring caves, and fished for crab on Stuart Island. He lived on a boat in Friday Harbor and, when he tired of life as a liveaboard, his grandmother bought a condo that became known as the Dog House.
Gale Carter, a pioneer in convalescent care on San Juan Island, has died. His passing was announced by Pam Fry, RN, at Mullis Community Senior Center today.
Friday Harbor House has appointed Michael O’Dell as general manager. In his new position, O’Dell will manage all employees, hotel operations and overall guest experience at the 23-room waterfront inn.
Fiddlers will compete for division prizes, including $100 gift certificates from sponsor Hugo Helmer Music, in the San Juan County Fair’s first annual Old-Time Fiddle Contest.
The proposed Critical Areas Ordinance, although perhaps needing strengthening, moves us in the right direction. Property rights are relative rights and are related to the health and welfare of the broader community in all of its dimensions and with that comes responsibility.
Maggie enjoyed her time working at San Juan County Bank and at various retail stores in town. She was active in her community, which she cherished. She volunteered at the Blood Bank and with the Booster Club, and was instrumental in the formation of the Purple and Gold Club in 1978. She was always an avid supporter of her children’s and grandchildren’s school activities.
