Firefighter Erik Gresseth and Assistant Fire Chief Noel Monin – Contributed photo

The San Juan Island Fire and Rescue Department is proud to announce the February 2019 Firefighter of the Month.

Rookie Firefighter Erik Gresseth was selected this month due to his unwavering commitment to his community. Erik has an outstanding record of responding to emergency calls and attendance at training drills.

Erik is someone who tries to stay in the background and his quiet leadership by example is a wonderful attribute he brings to San Juan Island Fire and Rescue.

The Fire Commissioners, Chief and the Department is grateful for all Erik does for both the department and our community. We congratulate Erick for his service and dedication.

Merri Ann Simonson is back with another SJI Lifestyle video…

San Juan Island Lifestyle video that shares with you a snow day – Island Style.

Baked Potato Bar dinner, Friday, March 1, 2019 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church.

Potatoes and fixins (chili, cheese, onions, etc.) with pies and brownies for dessert. Cost is donation only.

We are raising funds for our kitchen remodel. We already have $4,000+ in our fund and are hoping to raise more so we can start the remodel.

Any questions, please call Ruth Ann Krooswyck at (360) 378-7162 or Mary Ray at (360) 378-8408.

We received this photo from Ruth Offen, “Just saw this gathering of I think commerants or loons all floating together. First thought it was herring ball, but not. Have you or anybody else seen this sight before?” Click on the photo to enlarge the image and if you know these birds and what they are doing please leave us a comment…

What Birds Are These? – Ruth Offen photo

Collage by Thrinley DiMarco

Alchemy Art Center is hosting a two-day Collage Workshop with accomplished local artist Thrinley DiMarco, Saturday March 23rd and Sunday March 24th.  This class will explore the creative process through the medium of collage, and participants will learn new ways of seeing and connecting with the world!

From Thrinley: “The mystery and magic of creativity is simply seeing what everyone sees but thinking what no one else has thought.  Out of the commonplace images all around, if one looks at them carefully and sensitively, one can create extraordinary images.  Train yourself to see, not merely look. To see means to slow down and pay attention, to be aware. All art is about communication, no matter what form you use….visual art, music, writing, etc.  To make a work of art you need 3 things: your ideas and the courage to explore them and the tools to express them. That’s what this collage workshop will be about….your ideas, your courage and the basic tools you need to create a collage.”

All materials for this class are provided, but it is recommended that participants pack a lunch both days.  This class requires pre-registration. You can learn more and register at www.alchmeyartcenter.com/classes.

Thrinley DiMarco attended Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, PA, summer workshop in printmaking at Norfolk State College, VA, studied ceramics at Olympic Jr. College, Bremerton, WA, apprenticed with master potter Karen Stoner, is a member of the SJIMA Artist’s Registry, and works now in clay, mixed media and collage.  She is deeply influenced by Aboriginal cultures.

Alchemy Art Center, founded by Maria Michaelson and Eben Shay in 2017, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing specialized art equipment for San Juan Islanders in a shared studio setting. Alchemy to create a thriving arts community on San Juan Island.

For more information about Alchemy, and to register for classes, visit our website at www.alchemyartcenter.com