Last week's snow is just a memory....with highs in the 40s over the next week, it doesn't look like we're getting more, too soon...

Let’s take a look at some of the things going on…hope you have a great weekend planned!

Kayla

• Got a note from my friend Jennifer that her daughter Kayla is an ace babysitter & caregiver – here’s more:

San Juan Island…. I thought I would let all of you know that my daughter Kayla Whalen is back on Island full time attending Skagit. She is 18, responsible, CPR certified and extremely experienced with children of all ages.

She is available Monday – Sunday, almost any times available. Depending on the # of children; her rates are between $10-$15/hour. Give her a call if you would like weekly care for your kiddos, date night with your honey or if you just need an afternoon to your self

Thank you, Jennifer Whalen

Kayla Whalen – 1-360-770-8170 cell
kaylawhalen8393 (at) hotmail.com

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• Both the boys & girls basketball teams won last night, as FHHS beat Mount Vernon Christian.

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Over at the airport, yesterday...Tom Doenges caught this photo through the fence....

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Principal Connie Martin, PTA Co-Presidents Roxanne Angel and Megan Hoffman, San Juan Trails Committee reps Eileen Drath and Dave Zeretze, and hard working members of the PTA Board show off the new passports. First grader Olivia Germaine smiles her approval. ...photo: Theresa Simendinger

San Juan Trails Committee “Trails Passport” Has Arrived
by Theresa Simendinger

During the PTA meeting January 11, 2012  the kick off for “Trails Passport” took place. This is the San Juan Trails Committee’s new idea to get families out and enjoying our natural wonders.

Many of us who who live in the San Juan Islands are surrounded by so much natural beauty we may forget to enjoy it.  People come from all over the world to enjoy the mystical beauty of the area. The “Trails Passport” is a booklet designed by Dave Zeretze to help promote families to use the trails of San Juan Island. After a family hike kids can place a sticker in the  area provided after each of the San Juan trials listed.

Connie Martin, Principal of Friday Harbor Elementary School, emphasized, “Regular exercise in nature is proven to improve children’s physical and mental health. The SJ Trails idea is a great opportunity for parents to model and develop a more active lifestyle for their families.”

The idea started when Eileen Drath noticed the German hiking club; “Volks Walkers” had a “Volks Passport”  for adults to record their hikes in. Dave Zeretze saw them again in 2010 at Pacific Beach, WA. Zeretzke and Drath envisioned it as a way to introduce the young people of the San Juan’s to the adventures of the island forests and beaches. Zeretzke liked the idea so much he designed the San Juan Trails Passport with the help and enthusiastic support of Chris Brown at Printonyx.  San Juan Trails, a committee of Island Rec funded the Trails Passport. Island Rec Director Sally Thomsen regarded it as a great project for them to be onboard with.

At a time when the health of our computer preoccupied young is at stake this is a wonderful way for them to spend time with their families and or friends in the stress free environment of the unsurpassed beauty available here on the island which we are fortunate enough to call home. The Trails Passports are for everyone who would like to encourage their family to “Get moving!”

The small blue booklets are available through Mike Biggers, PE Teacher at the FH Elementary School or at Island Rec Mon-Fri 1-5pm.

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Look who's parked downtown...photo by Chris Terens

Beautiful inside & out...

Just got a note from Robin Jacobson at the San Juan County Visitors Bureau that Michael & John at the Wildwood Manor have been named as one of the top ten bed & breakfasts in the whole country – whoa! That’s awesome! (I’ve been over to the inn & they do a great job – check them out sometime!) Here’s more, from Robin:

San Juan Island bed and breakfast honored for fourth year in a row
with TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award.

John & Michael

Wildwood Manor was chosen as one of the ten best bed and breakfasts in the United States by TripAdvisor® in its 2012 Travelers’ Choice® awards. The awards mark the fourth year in a row that Wildwood Manor has been named one of the best B&Bs by TripAdvisor.

Now in its tenth year, the annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards honor the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers.

“Time and again, our guests comment on the beauty, serenity and restorative nature of the Wildwood property and San Juan Island,” said innkeepers Michael Bitterman and John Gallagher. “We’re fortunate that we can share this magical place with them.”

Located on a knoll with sweeping views of the San Juan Channel and woods, Wildwood Manor is a bed-and-breakfast with comfortably elegant interiors and an inviting Queen Anne-style exterior. The professionally designed home features three waterview and woodside view guestrooms and a romantic waterview suite.

Innkeepers Michael and John are committed to the comfort of their guests, offering delicious three-course breakfasts, fine amenities and insider tips for enjoying the island. With its unerring attention to detail, Wildwood Manor provides a relaxing and romantic retreat for guests exploring the San Juan Islands and the historic town of Friday Harbor.

Unlike any other hotel awards programs in the world, TripAdvisor® Travelers’ Choice® winners are based on the millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions about hotels on tripadvisor.com™ and content from across the web. Read More »

Rhiana Franklin provided the opening set last night for the DuoTones - she played the last few with her guitar teacher & mentor Bob Leytze, who then joined up with partner Mike Adams for the Duotone set, with drummer Avery Adams sitting in, at the Rumor Mill.

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Looks like a sunny day ahead…let’s see what’s up:

• It was good to hear from Judy Adams that she got a good idea from reading here:

With the luxury of “snow days” and some time to myself, I was just thinking about an article you printed about two and a half years ago, when my husband Ray and I moved to the island.

It was talking about how great our  local economy would be for businesses if everyone who lived here made a concerted effort to spend a little money each month at the shops around town. WIth the snow days this past week I am sure local businesses could use some help, so why not run the article again?

We made it a goal to do just what your article suggested these past two years and, even when money was tight, jobs were not materializing and we were not sure we were going to make it financially here on the island, we did make sure to spend at least $30.00 per month at at least 3 local shops.

It may have been buying a hostess gift of napkins and a bottle of wine at the wine shoppe instead of the grocery store once in a while, or getting chips and salsa at The Hot Shop. We gave gift certificates for birthdays (which we would have to buy anyways) to Bistro Garden or San Juan Roasting Company.  I would also make sure to buy a birthday gift for one of my grown daughters (living far away) at Be Chic or Daisy Bloom.  I only mention these shops to give an idea of what we did, but we visited and purchased at many more.

We now have jobs and are slowly making a living here and feel blessed every minute we get to live in this beautiful place.  I hope this will remind others who are lucky enough to live here to also make a commitment to buying local when they can.

Judy Adams

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Great to hear singer/songwriter Laura Chorba at the Rumor MIll Sunday night & the Cask & Schooner on Monday...photo by Christina DeLorenzi

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Snowshoeing at Baker Lake last Sunday....photo by Sue Kollet

Passing: Just heard that shining point of light Camilla Woodbury passed away yesterday morning...she was pretty well-known for her work as a volunteer, Friend of the Library, and substitute staff at the Library....she'll be missed...

• Friday night at The Rumor Mill, the One More Time Band is playing – drop on by!

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• Paul Kollet reports that the Island Rec snowshoeing trip last Sunday was fun:

Sue and I just returned from the Island Rec snowshoe trip. Great day out in the winter wonder land at Baker Lake run by Island Rec using outfitters Recreation Without Borders. Great day trip with two guides and nine of us snow shoe adventurers. Lots of snow began to  fall  as we started up the trail with our great snow shoe gear and poles!

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• Jan at The Community Theatre says auditions are set for the Sound of Music…here’s more:

AUDITIONS! The Sound of Music

“Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Ev’Ry Mountain.”

One of the most beloved musicals of all time stars as the San Juan Community Theatre’s spring musical in 2012.

Director Merritt Olsen is holding auditions for The Sound of Music  (music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse), on Monday and Tuesday, February 6 and 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Theatre, 100 Second Street.

Casting needs include:

Maria Rainer: age 20-40; soprano

The Mother Abbess:  age 40-70; soprano

Captain Georg von Trapp: age 40-60; baritone

The Children of Captain von Trapp:

Liesl: age 15-20; mezzo

Friedrich: age 13-15; soprano

Louisa: age 12-14; mezzo

Kurt: age 8-12; soprano

Brigitta: age 8-10; mezzo

Marta: age 6-9; mezzo

Gretle:  the youngest, age 4-7

Sister Berthe: age 40-70; mezzo

Sister Margaretta: age 40-65; mezzo

Sister Sophia: age 30-55; mezzo

Franz: age 40-70; speaking role

Rolf Gruber: age 16-24; baritone

Ensemble (neighbors, nuns, novices, Nazis, postulants); ages 16-106

A complete cast list is available on-line at www.sjctheatre.org  Read More »

The San Juan Island Garden Club will be meeting on February 7th at 1 p.m. at the Mullis Center.  Our special speaker is Elaine Kendall.  She will be speaking to us about the status and the future of the Brickworks Project. Elaine will provide an informal update about this project.

If you choose to attend, RSVP to Dot Vandaveer (378-8306) or to Joyce Harrell (378-6146) no later than February 1.  Seating is limited.  We welcome all.  You do not have to be a member to attend. RSVP  as advised and join us for tea, coffee, and a wonderful speaker.

Got a note from Erin Corra that a longtime friend’s spot at the park has been cut:

I wanted to send out a note to let you know, if you don’t already, that Ranger Billy Hoppe‘s position has been cut.  He does not know yet what Park he will be moving to.  All we know is that he is leaving San Juan Island and therefore, our community.  He has served and lived at Lime Kiln for over 17 years and will be sorely missed.

Please feel free to email him (billy at) interisland.net) with any words of gratitude, encouragement and well wishes as I am sure he can appreciate it now more than ever.  If you know someone he knew, please forward this along so to reach folks I may not have access to.

I would also like to offer an opportunity for those present on the island to come out to the Park this Thursday between 3 and 4pm if you would like to bid him well in person… Thank you!!

Have you been by to check out the re-model at China Pearl in the last month? Charles still has China Pearl, but also is offering pizza (!) and calls that part of the biz Kung Fu Pizza. People are telling me it's pretty good, too!

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Headed for Australia - Kirk Fuhrmeister & Chris Cassidy are gone this week to Down Under (where she's from) and are gonna come back married....congrats, you guys! (That's them snoggin' at the Community Theatre last Friday, where Kirk's band Opa was in the show....)

Lots going on – let’s check in:

• He’s got an eagle eye for the ways of islanders, and a great eye for shooting photos – check out Ted Strutz’ blog & his posting: “Things you see along Roche Harbor Road.” Fun stuff…and thanks for sending it along, Ted!

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• These are great, with sometimes as many as 80 people coming along – great way to get out & see the feel the island – here’s the next one, from Eileen Drath:

Know Your Island Walk; Sat. Jan. 28, 2012, 1-4pm. Meet Mike Vouri, Historian and Chief of Interpretation, San Juan Island National Historical Park.

Walk the trail from the American Camp visitors’ center to South Beach.  Learn cultural, historical and environmental history of the area.

Meet and park at American Camp visitors’ center. Length is 2 miles round trip, terrain is grass and gravel path.  Rating is moderate.  Dogs on leashes are welcome. Information at www.sanjuanislandtrails.com.

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It was great to drop in on Terry & Carol at Castaways last weekend...they moved their hugely successful consignment shop from Surina Business Park to Nichols Street (in the spot where Compost-It used to be, next to Funk 'n Junk) and they're doing great...the shop is filled with good ideas & color, and they are their usual cheerful selves. Drop by & say hey!

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• Lots of islanders getting into social media these days…here’s a cautionary tale you might find interesting….

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• Meanwhile, if you want, you can go to the San Juan Update Facebook page & “like” us, if you like….it’s here.

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• Here’s  a line I had in my head most of yesterday’s wonderfully windy day:

Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.
~Kahlil Gibran

Now I gotta go pick up the yard…

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• Did you know there are paid internships at the Friday Harbor Marine Labs? Check ‘em out.

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• I’ve always wondered what in the heck Pasta Puttanesca is..leave it to Hobbes to not only tell me, but show me & you how to prep it…here’s the deal.

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Dropped by to say hey to Bette & baby Clark (born early in December!) last week at LUSH...he's looking good!

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Hey! Curtis is employee of the month at King's Market! Always good to see his smiling face!

• Need a hand? Here’s an idea for you, for keeping the good things you have going going…here’s the note from FHHS’ Jenny Wilson:

The second semester FHHS Community Service Class will begin January 30th.  This class utilizes committed adult mentors who will guide students through completion of a service project related to community improvement.  This is a great opportunity for a “win-win” partnership between students and local organizations.   If you have a community improvement service project in mind, a fifteen minute in-class presentations time can be arranged on February 1st, 2nd and 3rd, from 1:15 – 1:55.

Please contact Jenny Wilson at jwilson@sjisd.wednet.edu for more information.

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Lovin' it - it was great to drop by & say hey to Barbara & Matt at Gallery San Juan last weekend...Barbara is working on pieces for the new hospital, who has commissioned her & several other local folks to brighten up the new place, slated to open later this year...looking good!