Thursday, around the rock…

She's moving on...she's been here for just a year, but she's made such a difference. Chamber of Commerce executive director Vernadel Peterson's last day is mid-October as she moves back to a job in her old stomping grounds in Chehalis, but from the first day she's helped bring business owners and groups together on the island (that's her helping open the Friday Harbor/Sidney ferry run last March). She'll be much missed.

Let’s catch up with each other a bit:

• Kay Kohler tells me last week’s Blood Drive had over 84 folks show up to donate – way to go! The next time the Blood Bank folks come is right before Christmas – good time to give!

• Have you ever seen The Oaks from the air? Josie took this nice photo Tuesday afternoon when we came home from Seattle on Kenmore Air (she, as you can see, was on the sunny side of the plane). Below is the little picture – click here to see the really big one.)

The Oaks, from the sky...

• The Backdoor Kitchen will have Noodle Bowl Monday starting up at lunch this coming Monday and the Monday after that (until December sometime), but will be closed for dinner from October 4th through the 20st as Sasha & Lee & the crew take a well-deserved vacation (except Lee has to work for NBM!)

• Meanwhile, Ivan says he’ll still be running out with Western Prince for the month of October – good chance to go on a nature tour on the water!

Felicity made a fine cake for Hobbes' bon voyage part at the Rumor Mill last night...the music was good, the food was good, the company was good - and a good time was had by all.

• Kevin Klein says this new derby is gonna be fun:

Puget Sound Anglers present the “Resurrection Derby” on Dec. 3rd. and 4th. in Friday Harbor, with a $10,000 first prize. $400.00 per team entry fee, up to 4 anglers per team.  Only 100 teams may enter, so get your tickets now!  Go to resurrectionderby.com for more info. Tickets on sale now. Proceeds go to Salmon enhancement and education.

Kathleen Foley (left, with summer intern Anna and little blue friend) has been named a 2010 Disney Conservation Hero.

• It was cool to see that our good friend Kathleen at the Preservation Trust was named a Disney Conservation Hero for her work with the Western Bluebirds – here’s our story about her work, that we posted in the summer with awesome pictures, and here’s the Disney press release.

Nice to see recognition for a worthwhile program, and the work it takes to make it happen – way to go, Kathleen!

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