Around the island….

Let’s see what’s up:

• Just got this nice note from Lisa Adamo:

Jodi Calhoun is a very old and dear friend of mine.  Could you somehow, some way, find a way to wish her a very Happy Birthday from Lisa tomorrow (December 15th)?  I don’t have her email or phone any more, but I know that she’s there.  Thank you very much!

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• The San Juan Singers are putting on their annual holiday show this weekend at the Community Theatre (Saturday at 7:30 & Sunday at 2) – see you there! Here’s more.

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• Gail at Cotton Cotton Cotton tells me:

Happy Holidays From First Street! The following First Street Shops will be open until 7:00pm on Thursdays until Christmas:

Cotton Cotton Cotton
Friday Harbor Trading Company
Howard’s Sell It Again
Ositos
Arctic Raven Gallery
Pelindaba Lavender
San Juan Florist

Some shops will be offering refreshments and discounts!  Come on out and see what we have for your Christmas Giving!

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• Hey, remember I mentioned the quarterpipe just installed & built at the Skatepark? Looks like they’re a little short covering expenses…if you’re a fan of the project like I am, drop a check off at Island Rec to show your support! Any amount is appreciated!

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• I dropped by the Food Bank yesterday to check with director Pat Vannest & see how things are going…she says the need for the FB is as high as ever. She opened a half hour early Wednesday because folks were waiting….

She mentioned that she could use a little more volunteer help (got some time? Drop by & check in with her!) and always can use donated food or cash to buy items in bulk.

I asked what were the income requirements to qualify, and she laughed & said, “You have to live in San Juan County!” She knows that some folks are just trying to stretch this month’s paycheck, while others need longer-term help. That’s why the Food Bank is there – to give a hand. Long as you’re a resident, come on by!

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• It’s always good to hear from Update reporter Tamara Weaver – she reports she had a good visit with Michelle & Jenn, both committed animal lovers:

Jennifer Rigg loves what she does, making everything herself, and gets inspiration from her artsy mom, Jaime Ellsworth. Jennifer designed her first t-shirt at age 12 and started selling them in high school. She says “I found a way to do what I love for a living!” LOEA, located next to Whidbey Island Bank, and check out her new holiday-themed prints and $5 shirt rack!

Meanwhile…going o’er the river and through the woods this Christmas?  Wondering who’ll take care of Kitty and Pooch while you’re away?  Dr. Michelle Loftus and the friendly staff at the Animal Inn are here for you!

Michelle says her pet guests enjoy “safe, social interaction and exercise in the quiet, relaxing comfort of the Inn.

“We care for the young and athletic, elderly or timid, offering indoor/outdoor runs, pampered pet suites, kitty condos and a kitty penthouse, as well as a special care room for close monitoring of your pet’s health if needed. Services available include bath, massage and acupuncture.”   Maybe I’ll stay with Michelle for a few days…sounds great!

Finally, I got to visit with Lenore Bayuk and Tom Cable at the Marketplace today doing their part for Peace Health and the new hospital.

They’re selling personalized bricks and garden benches to be used for the new hospital. Buy a brick for the one you love!

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• Keeping art in our schools is essential – and it’s great that the IMA has embraced the challenge, and included Leisha in their plans – she makes amazing things happen. Here’s more from Jennifer Elise, the IMA director:

IMA Sponsors Art Enrichment Program at FHES

All children at Friday Harbor Elementary School will benefit from art education instruction this year thanks to an Art Enrichment Program sponsored by the Islands Museum of Art (IMA). FHES will be implementing the program January – June, 2012.  The Art Enrichment Program will consist of 6-week residencies in each class room with six teaching artists chosen from the community of San Juan Island artists. Leisha Holmes will act as the art coordinator.

“Arts education is critical to core learning and a priority for parents,” says Connie Martin, Principal of Friday Harbor Elementary School. “Study in the arts promotes visual literacy and problem solving skills and kids have the opportunity to express themselves in a positive way that is fun. Parents want more art for their children at FHES. I hear from them weekly.”

IMA has secured funding from several sources for this unique program, including the Washington State Arts Commission, the San Juan Island Community Foundation (SJICF), the Women’s Fund of the SJICF, and donations from the community. The IMA Board feels strongly that the education of young people in the community is critical and IMA is extremely proud to bring this program to the Elementary School and wishes to thank all those who have provided funding.

Local teaching artists who are interested in participating in the Art Enrichment Program should contact Leisha Homes, IMA Art Coordinator at [email protected] or Jennifer Elise, IMA Museum Director at [email protected]or (360) 370-5050.

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Categories: Around Here