Thursday’s news….

Let’s see what’s happening around the island:

• Just heard from Dot that the last SJI Garden Club meeting was well attended AND they signed up some new members.

Way to go! Here’s the next meeting on the schedule:

Could you let your readers know of the San Juan Island Garden Club‘s November 2 meeting at 1 p.m. at the Mullis Center?  The featured speaker for November 2 is Colleen-Howe Gregory from Mitchell Bay Farms.  Her topic is a very timely one — how to plant for keeping the Anna Hummingbird in our midst for the winter.

She will showcase potted examples in her computer presentation.

Dessert and tea and coffee are always offered. Please rsvp to Dot Vandaveer at 378-8306 so we can plan seating for all.

• Frank Penwell with the Citizens Alliance for Property Rights has a seminar coming up – here’s the story:

• This is cool – Spring Street International student Dylan Nelson has been named a top student – here’s more from SSIS’s Jerry Riley:

Dylan Nelson, a senior at Spring Street International School has been named a Commended Student, in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended students placed among the top five (5) percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2011 competition by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

A spokesperson for NMSC commented, “Recognition of high-achieving students is essential to advancing educational excellence in our nation.  As demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program, the young men and women named Commended Students represent some of the most academically talented students in our country. We sincerely hope this recognition will enhance their educational opportunities and encourage them in their pursuit of academic success.”

Louis O’Prussack, Head of School for SSIS added, “We are all proud of Dylan’s performance and feel this accolade is well deserved. He is the consummate student and daily demonstrates the commitment to reach his full potential.”

• I love stuff like this – here’s a note from ace photograher & videographer Chris Teren, with a vid he put together:

Hi Ian – I just thought I’d drop you a line to let you know that while I was up in Alaska a week ago, I saw some beautiful Northern Lights, and I created a movie out of +/- 1000 still images, of the Northern Lights doing their dance. I thought you might enjoy seeing it, and might want to share. I’ve posted it on youtube – take a look:

• The last three shows of I’ll Be Back Before Midnight are tonight at the Community Theatre, as well as Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm – don’t miss it!

And, when you go, you’ll notice another chance to help your local theater grow…here’s more from Jan Bollwinkel-Smith:

When you do make it to the Theatre, you’ll notice a spanking new thermometer almost blocking your way into the doors. The Theatre’s 2010-2011 Annual Campaign is up and running!

DID YOU KNOW for each show presented, ticket prices account for less than half of the nonprofit Theatre’s expenses?  For example, for each $20 ticket purchased, the Theatre actually had to spend about $48 for the facility to keep operating.

That’s why the Theatre’s family of investors is so critical!

Those of you who have donated in the past 18 months should be receiving a renewal letter in the mail this week.  If you don’t receive a letter or would like to invest for the first time, you may donate via the Theatre’s website, at the box office or by calling Tanja Williamson at 378-3211, ext. 24.

Oh…and if you can provide your contribution or pledge between October and December 31, your name will be entered in a drawing for a “Night on the Town” in Friday Harbor, which includes dinner at Vinny’s, two tickets to the Theatre and a one-night stay at the Bird Rock Hotel.

• Sign to remind the people who come to the island that we mean business (or something)…

• Linda & Maureen from Slow Food Land & Sea want to invite you to the planting at 1-2:30pm this Saturday at the garden across from the middle school – here’s more:

New to garlic in the garden? Learn everything you need to know to plant a successful garlic crop in your own garden by long-time islander, gardener and retired teacher, Bruce Robinson. You will be helping the school lunch program while participating in this free workshop.

Call us if you have additional questions.  317-5890 (Linda) or 472-0880 (Maureen)

• Remember Andy Urbach said they were going to have a deal at Vic’s after the game last Friday for students, called Post Game? He says it went pretty well:

The first Post-Game event went great!  Vic’s was packed solid with the line nearly out the back door!  The kids really seemed to enjoy it and were grateful to have a place to go.

Thanks for your help getting the word out, and remember the next Post-Game is on the 22nd!  I know there is a homecoming dance, but not everyone goes and some might want a bite before the dance. We’ll have Vic’s open again from the final whistle to about Midnight depending on the crowd.

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Categories: Around Here