Island stuff….

Is the opposite of megafauna...minifauna? Here's a photo of a praying mantis by Cyndi Brast.

• Studies have shown that the incredible amount of toxins discovered in sperm whales doesn’t bode well for the whales…or humans. Here’s more.

Don't you hate it when you're shooting a picture & someone sticks their head in it? 🙂

• Kristina Anderson (she played soccer for the Wolverine Women & graduated from FHHS in ’01) delivered Griffin Robert Landies on Friday, June 18th at 8:01pm, a healthy 9 pounds 1 ounce, 22 inches long. She says they are both doing great and will be back on island mid-July! She’s currently teaching school in Dothan, Alabama – her folks are Steve & Kathy who own the Place Bar & Grill.

• Speaking of the Place: Tom & Tami & Kate are playing there tonight – drop by!

• 20 Years at Carquest! Ryan Campbell says this weekend is the celebration – here’s more:

Hey Ian, I just wanted to let you know that Saturday,  June 26th, we are going to be having our 20th anniversary celebration from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm. We will be having 1950-70s american muscle cars and hot rods on display, as well as music, hamburgers and hot dogs. Everything inside Carquest will also be 20% off for the day. I’m hoping you could help me drum up interest in it and hope to see you there.
Ryan Campbell

• Longtime islander Teresa Smith lives in Boulder, Colorado now, but she’s coming back to the island for her well-regarded workshops…here’s more (so you can plan ahead!)….

Painting Workshop on San Juan Island
July 19-23 2010

Teresa's evocative watercolors are pretty popular around the island....

Beautiful scenes around every corner. Water views, gorgeous beaches, snow capped mountains, eagles and whales. Teresa lived and taught painting workshops on the islands for 15 years and she is back to teach this class. She knows all the intimate secret spots to paint and will guide you on a most wonderful painting experience with demos, one-on-one instruction and critiques.

Workshop Details:
Teresa Smith has been teaching watercolor for many years. She is well known for her landscapes, florals and equine art. Having lived in the Northwest for 20 years, she has a skill for painting the beautiful waterscenes that the islands are known for. “Plein air” painting will help you reach the next skill level. We will visit a new location each day of the workshop; from sandy beaches, wildlife sanctuaries to flower gardens.

We will paint water, skies, rocks, distant mountains, and the incredible Douglas firs. This workshop will have a casual flavour. Teresa will spend time with each student to work with them on their skill level. There will be demos each day and lots of paint along work, critiques and one on one attention. The focus will be loose and vibrant watercolors that portray the beautiful scenery. $500/week.
Teresa Smith
303-246-3208 (You can contact me for details on day rate.)
[email protected] • www.artbyteresa.com

• The Adventuress is here this weekend – here’s the details from Zoe at Sound Experience:

All aboard....

Event Title: Public Day Sail aboard schooner Adventuress
Event Date/Time: Sunday, June 27, 1-4 PM
Location: Departs Friday Harbor Marina, San Juan Island
Event Description: Join us for an afternoon of sailing aboard a 1913 historic wooden tall ship! The schooner Adventuress is a National Historic Landmark vessel and recently won the popular vote in the Puget Sound Partners in Preservation competition. Learn about local marine life, take a turn at steering, and help us raise the sails. All ages welcome.
Cost: $40 for adults, $20 for youth (ages 0-17), Free for Sound Experience Members

•  Speaking of big boats, Helen Wallace dropped us a line about an off-island deal you might find interesting:

Ian,

I work with Officer Kevin Holmes on the island, I also drill with the Navy Reserves and I thought this would be interesting.

I just returned from a weekend drill with the US Navy aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln CVN 72. The Fleet Commander is opening the Everett Naval base to the public, on July 3rd all day for music, food vendors, and a special guided tour of the war vessel USS Lincoln. Photos will be allowed in certain areas. At the moment, there is an F-18 Super Hornet aboard the flight deck for repairs if it’s still there you will be able to view it.

The tour is free you may have to pay for the food unless you pack a picnic and bands are usually free because of the USO (not 100% about that).

Ship’s home page http://www.cvn72.navy.mil/

If anyone is interested Google the Everett Naval Base for directions, or you can always contact me.  It is a neat “nickel and dime” event for the whole family, this doesn’t happen all the time and most people don’t get a chance to board these impressive vessels needless to say it will be well worth the trip. Wear good walking shoes!

• Press release from the folks at the Best Western:

The Best Western Friday Harbor Suites has named Ron Bates the new General Manager effective June 28, 2010.

Bates is widely known in the community as former advertising manager and assistant publisher of The Journal of the San Juan Islands – (2000-2010) His local connections, marketing abilities and customer service skills are well suited for the hospitality business. He and his partner Sandy Montana, also own the Mosquito Fleet Mercantile in downtown Friday Harbor.

“I’m deeply honored and thrilled to be a part of this Best Western facility. It’s a great team and a wonderful opportunity,” says Bates, who is replacing Janeen Jennings, the General Manager for the past six years.

After earning his degree in design in Tempe, Az, – Bates worked at USWest as a graphics supervisor for 6 years. Following that, he partnered with 3 other talented designers and formed GRAPHICS 4, a full service design firm in Scottsdale, Az.

New at waterworks gallery: Ruth tells me this is the new sculpture outside the gallery. She says, "Just wanted to share the latest sculpture installation at the gallery, called Seal Twist, bronze sculpture by Georgia Gerber. Her husband Randy Hudsen (above) just did the installation. Looks great , stop by and see it!" Georgia's works will be featured in a show at the gallery in July.

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