Three Southern resident orcas have not been seen for at least three months — one of the three hasn’t been seen since October. And that has the Center for Whale Research worried. When Darwin Norris collapsed during a bike ride up Flaherty’s Hill on Orcas Island last week, his family watched precious moments ticking away as they frantically tried to call 911. But because of spotty cell coverage, the call was routed to a 911 center in Canada. Within a day of County Council member Richard Fralick and Rich Peterson’s votes killing the Land Bank’s purchase of conservation and historical preservation easements on the property, Ag Guild member Mark Madsen said the Guild would try to get more time from the property owners and raise from other sources the $400,000 that would have been obtained from the sale of the easements. Those stories are the top stories in the Sept. 1 Journal of the San Juan Islands — in stores and newsracks for 75 cents a copy.
Following the successful run of Ed Strum’s comedy “The Connoisseurs” at San Juan Community Theatre comes the drama “Only a Ridgeline Away” by island writer Miguel Herbert. The piece is sober at heart and, SJCT executive director Merritt Olsen says, “It is powerful.”
Bill will always be remembered for his easygoing manner, ability to make friends with anyone and a great sense of humor. He always was drawn to the sea — as a member of the United States Navy, commercial fishing in Alaska as a young man, or working and retiring from Marine Construction and Design in Ballard after more than 30 years.
To celebrate its maritime business longevity, the company will host an Anniversary Party on Sept. 18, noon to 4 p.m. The company says everyone is welcome to come enjoy fresh fish and barbecued beef while it lasts. There will be historical photos to see, as well as several Jensen-built boats to visit. Additional parking is available across the street in the old gravel pit.
This year’s annual Concours d’Elegance is Aug. 29 at San Juan Vineyards. Organized by the Sports Car Club of the San Juan Islands in association with the Rotary Club of San Juan Island, the event begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 3:30 p.m. Owners of classic, special interest and sports cars are invited to participate. To register a car for the event, download the schedule and registration form at www.sanjuanconcours.org or call 370-5531.
The Whale Museum’s 2010 Lecture Series presents Capt. Paul Watson on Aug. 27, 7 p.m., at the Grange Hall on First Street in Friday Harbor. The event is free and open to the public. For 30 years, Watson has been at the helm of the world’s most active marine protection non-profit organization, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His career as a Master Mariner began in 1968 as a seaman with the Merchant Marines and with the Canadian Coast Guard.
Salmon or roast pork. Dessert. Games and tournaments. And it’s all free. The Friday Harbor Port District continues its 60th anniversary celebration Aug. 28, noon to 4 p.m. with its Salmon Barbecue/Beach Bash Potluck.
A slideshow of the San Juan County Fair, Aug. 18-21, 2010. Photos by Journal reporter Scott Rasmussen. Produced by Journal multimedia reporter Jane K. Fox.
When it comes to music, there’s nothing clumsy about this group. The Clumsy Lovers have brought their mix of fiddle and banjo-fueled, bluegrass-ified Celtic rock to North American audiences for more than a decade. They rock the San Juan County Fair main stage tonight from 7-9.
Thursday is Kids’ Day at the San Juan County Fair. (It’s Kids’ Day on Friday too). From noon to 5 p.m., children can enjoy unlimited rides for $20. Use the coupon on the front of The Daily Fair — available at the fair gates and The Journal booth — and get a free stick of cotton candy when you buy your wristband.
The San Juan County Fair starts Wednesday and continues through Saturday. Here are some things to know.
A celebration of Doug Grossarth’s life is scheduled for Aug. 14 — Saturday — at 4 p.m. at San Juan Golf and Country Club. No-host bar. Hot dogs, salad and chips will be served. “Please join us to share stories and pictures of our dear friend, who passed away on Aug. 1 in his home in California,” an invitation said.
Ashley Paull graduated from A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences in Mesa, Ariz., on Aug. 7. Paull received her doctorate of physical therapy degree and was one of 56 graduates from ASHS at its annual August commencement.
