Island news…

Let’s catch up a bit:

• Julie Ochoa tells me that Richie continues to thrive as a pitcher for Washington State this spring – the freshman pitched last weekend and she said the folks at Haley’s tuned all the tvs on to watch last year’s FHHS star & all-league player…love it.

Hope he remembers me when he gets drafted by the Dodgers, and sends me tickets… 🙂

• The Washington State Ferries wrote to ask me to tell you prices go up tomorrow:

The peak season begins Saturday, May 1 at the WSDOT Ferries Division with an additional 25 percent surcharge applied to full fare vehicle/driver tickets. The peak season surcharge does not affect passenger fares or frequent user multi-ride fares, except on the Anacortes/San Juan routes.

• Republican candidate for the Senate Paul Akers speaks at a no-host lunch today at The China Pearl at 11:30am.

• I love hearing about folks in Town who show what customer service is all about – here’s a story from Robin Jacobson:

I wanted to toot the horn for Griffin Bay Books.  Barry and I forgot to buy a book we needed for a vacation trip in three days, so we called them to see if they had it on the shelf before we resorted to paying Amazon almost $20 extra to ship overnight.  Griffin Bay did not have the book but offered to get it for us overnight, delivered to the store at no extra cost to us.  Naturally, this thrilled us.  We are spreading the word about what a great service this is and how it’s another reason to shop locally and support our own island businesses, like Griffin Bay Books.

• Speaking of the ferries – they’re not the only ones. The Victoria Clipper, which took last year off, is back in action on the 21st this month, according to Eddie at the Hot Shop.

• Got this nice note from Julie Greene & Ian Walt:

Hi Ian B.!

If you are around town on Saturday, swing by Griffin Bay Bookstore for the book signing 1 to 3 pm May 1.  Ian’s good friend Tomi Marsh co-authored the cookbook “Fishes and Dishes”, and her sister Kiyo is coming to town for a signing.

We are so impressed with the quality of this book, and have no idea how these incredibly busy women found the time to create such an entertaining and delicious bite of literature.  Among her many ventures, Tomi buys geoduck and cukes from the divers in Ketchikan so she has a long history with our island divers who head north for the frigid winter dive season.  Her book is a fun and funny snapshot of the life of fisherwomen. And the food looks good, too!

Thanks!  – Julie & Ian

• Recovering nicely from her surgery on Tuesday, Jess Oldwyn went back in for operation #2 to relieve some pressure in her head…the family reports it went well yesterday & she’ll be out of the ICU & back to her regular room.

• Sandy Roe tells me here’s a chance to help the Dixons, after their loss (I think we’re all still in shock about Bob):

Could you tell people about the fund raiser for Carmen Dixon and family on Sunday May 2, 2010. It is at the American Legion from 1-4:00 p.m. We are still looking for silent auction donations. The plan is for a spaghetti feed and silent auction to help with medical bills and living expenses while Carmen gets back on track after her tragic loss. We would appreciate you getting the word out if you can. Questions can be directed to Abe @ 298-2229 or Sandy Roe @ 378-3052. Thanks for all you do!

• Stephanie has the scoop on the new guy:

John Alexander Hamilton has recently joined Harrison House Suites, Tucker House Inn and Coho Restaurant as Innkeeper, Catering Manager and Pastry Chef.

As Innkeeper, Hamilton’s primary focus is creating and executing the three-course breakfast menus, as well as preparing  special-order dinners for Inn guests.   With the Inns expansion into special events, he will develop menus and prepare all foods for private catered events, both on- and off-site.  In addition, he creates all the desserts at Coho Restaurant.

“We are excited to have a chef of John’s caliber managing the meals at the Inns” says Anna Maria de Freitas, the Inns’ Owner and General Manager.  “His experience with catering and kitchen management will help us move to a whole new level of service for our guests.”

Most recently, Hamilton worked as Co-Chef at Circa Alehouse and Gourmondo Catering, both in Seattle.  A stint at Balboa Café in San Francisco brought him to the West Coast, where he fell in love with the commitment to fresh, seasonal, locally-grown products.  A native of Indiana, since moving to the Pacific Northwest, Hamilton has done some competitive sailing and has developed a passion for gardening and sustainable farming practices, and the environmental issues facing the region.  His other interests include reading, history, anthropology/archaeology, and global politics.

The Harrison House and Tucker House Inns, and Coho Restaurant are three historic properties on San Juan Island conveniently located a few steps from the Friday Harbor Ferry Landing.  The properties provide an exemplary guest experience: privacy, beautifully appointed rooms and personalized guest services offered by a friendly staff.  With six guest rooms, seven suites and two cottages to choose from, the Inns have a variety of options to fit the most discerning traveler.  Coho Restaurant serves Island grown Pacific cuisine with an international flair. Coho’s wine list was awarded a 2009 Award of Distinction from Wine Spectator.

• Tess Simendinger says it was fun to take the horses to Turtleback – here’s the scoop:

Equestrians from San Juan and Lopez Islands ferried over to join Orcas Riders and the San Juan County Land Bank on April 11 to celebrate the reopening of some trails in the stunning Turtleback Mountain Preserve. Bicyclists may ride the trails on even-numbered days, and equestrians may ride on odd-numbered days. Hikers have open access.

Many islanders contributed time and money through the San Juan Preservation Trust to obtain the Turtleback Mountain Preserve as public land. Sunday’s ride, hosted by the SJC Land Bank was graciously led by Ruthie Dougherty, Land Bank Orcas Steward, and Orcas equestrian Alicia Miller. Miller commented, “I am just so happy to be riding these trails again. I have been riding here with so many friends since I was a child. About 20 years now.”

The group met at the North Trailhead, pictured here, and rode several trails allocated to equestrians. Dougherty asked the group to suggest improvements. Several riders suggested opening any of the fire roads that provide the amazing views of the water and surrounding islands Turtleback is famous for.

Thirteen riders enjoyed a great ride on the beautiful mountain.

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Categories: Around Here