A benefit is scheduled June 6 in the Roche Harbor Pavilion for Lori Holforty, who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The event has been organized by Holforty’s friends. Holforty, 46, is a familiar face in the local food service industry. She worked at Downriggers for 15 years and at Roche Harbor’s McMillin’s Dining Room the past four. Proceeds will help cover the costs of her household and medical bills, as well as cancer treatments, as she battles the disease.
The first weekend in June kicks off another San Juan summer in style. In past years, this big weekend has featured a huge selection of events — from art to music to charity golf. This year’s June weekend is a little slimmer in some parts, heavier in others.
Roberto Alps of Friday Harbor spent six weeks in the Gulf of Mexico assisting in the effort to stop the ocean-floor oil leak there. The leak was caused by an oil rig explosion April 20. An estimated 20 million to 40 million gallons of oil have gushed from the wellhead as of Wednesday, far surpassing the 11 million that leaked in the Exxon Valdez disaster, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
In the past, Jazz at the Labs has coincided with the summer kick-off weekend in June. This year, the jazz concert stands alone, but with a dynamic lineup that will draw jazz lovers to the U.W. Friday Harbor Labs Dining Hall.
Shannon Leigh Smith passed away May 11, 2010, at the age of 35. She was a professional caregiver and a 1994 graduate of Friday Harbor High School. Her loving passion was taking care of island children, and she was an active fund-raiser for various causes.
A piece of Friday Harbor history will be relocated and restored. And you can watch as it gets moved to its new home. The 79-year-old Craftsman-style house at 350 Franck St. has been acquired by Lynn Danaher, who is having the house moved to 60 Malcom St., next to Surina Business Park.
When Dorothy Robinson’s friend didn’t show up for lunch at Mullis Community Senior Center, her antenna went up. When a call to the friend’s house failed to yield an answer, she took action. She recruited help and went to her friend’s house, where they found the friend in medical distress.
Springtide, the annual visitors guide published by The Journal of the San Juan Islands and The Islands’ Sounder, will be on the streets this week. The National Park Service guide is included in the May 26 Journal of the San Juan Islands.
The Whale Museum’s fourth annual “Celebration of the Orca Greeting Ceremony” fund-raising dinner and auction is May 22, 6 p.m., in Mullis Community Senior Center in Friday Harbor. An audio-visual program will be shared by Val Veirs of an actual orca greeting ceremony. Veirs will play acoustic recordings and show photos and video of this amazing event.
The fifth annual Flare Shoot is May 22, 1 p.m., at Jackson’s Beach. It’s a family event presented by the Friday Harbor Power Squadron in conjunction with the Friday Harbor Fire Department and West Marine, as a public service for Safe Boating Week. The San Juan Island Fire Department will also be participating.
The Sears Family is thrilled to announce two new additions to their families: cousins Scott and Tiffany. Scott Henry Sears was born April 28, 2010 to Dennis and Dori Sears. He joined his older brother John, who is 2 1/2. The very next day, Scott’s cousin arrived. Tiffany Rose Sears was born April 29, 2010 to Jerry and Kate Sears. Her older brother, James, will be 3 in July.
Family, friends, fun and making memories all come together at the third annual Spring Carnival May 22, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Friday Harbor Elementary School. Admission is free for islanders and visitors alike.
Dick worked for JC Penney for 28 years and “retired” in 1997. He truly embraced “retirement” life with Marcia by living on a boat in the San Juan Islands, owning and operating a small boat accessory business, and serving as outstation manager for the Seattle Yacht Club on Henry Island. Dick’s humor, quick wit, and genuine nature drew people to him. His eye rolls, wise cracks, and crooked smile will be missed by all.
